To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Prison and street gangs in Arizona.

2000-2001 prison and street gangs in Arizona

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Statistical Analysis Center Publication
O u r mission is to sustain and enhance the coordination, cohesiveness, productivity and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System in Arizona
2000-2001 Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona
May
2 00 2
ARIZONA CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
Chairperson TERRY STEWART Department of Corrections Director JOSEPH ARPAIO Maricopa County Sheriff CARROL de BROEKERT Board of Executive Clemency Chairperson JIM BOLES City of Winslow Mayor DAVID DOBROTKA Glendale Police Department Chief
Vice Chairperson RALPH OGDEN Yuma County Sheriff DAVID K. BYERS Administrative Office of the Courts Director CLARENCE DUPNIK Pima County Sheriff
TONY ESTRADA Santa Cruz County Sheriff BARBARA LAWALL Pima County Attorney JANET NAPOLITANO Attorney General CHRISTOPHER SKELLY Judge, Retired
BILL FITZGERALD Yavapai County Adult Probation Officer J.T. McCANN Flagstaff Police Department Chief ROBERT CARTER OLSON Pinal County Attorney
DENNIS GARRETT Department of Public Safety Director RICHARD MIRANDA Tucson Police Department Chief RICHARD M. ROMLEY Maricopa County Attorney
MICHAEL D. BRANHAM Executive Director STEVE BALLANCE Statistical Analysis Center Director
JACKIE MINERO Research Analyst
DAMITA KALOOSTIAN Research Analyst
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................7 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 10 RESEARCH METHODS..................................................................................................10 RESEARCH SAMPLE......................................................................................................11 REPORT MODIFICATIONS..........................................................................................11 ARIZONA LEGISLATION............................................................................................. 12 HISTORY OF GANGS................................................................................................... 15 GANG TRENDS..............................................................................................................16 ARIZONA GANG ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................17 INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE................................................................................ 18 LAW ENFORCEMENT ................................................................................................... 19 PROSECUTION............................................................................................................. 25 PROBATION.................................................................................................................. 28 CORRECTIONS..............................................................................................................32 DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS......................................................... 34 FOCUS AGENCIES........................................................................................................ 37 Gang Intelligence and Gang Enforcement Mission............................................. 37 Phoenix Police Department..................................................................................41 Pima County Sheriffs Department........................................................................ 42 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND GANGS.............................................................. 44 CONCLUSION................................................................................................................45 REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 47 APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESPONDENTS................................................................... 48 APPENDIX B: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPANTS............................................................................................................ 52 APPENDIX C: GANG RELATED WEB SITES............................................................. 53
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
3
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission would like to thank law enforcement, prosecution, probation and correctional agencies for participating in this year's Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona Study. The Statistical Analysis Center received support for this report from numerous criminal justice agencies and staff throughout the state.
Special thanks to:
Correctional Officer II S. Garcia, Arizona Department of Corrections Todd Garrish, Arizona Department of Corrections Sergeant M Lamas, Arizona Department of Corrections Lieutenant Steve Brees, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Steve Meissner, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Debra Peterson, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections John Vivian, PhD., Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Don Wittman, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Ed Feingold, Arizona Department of Public Safety Lieutenant James McGuffin, Arizona Department of Public Safety Charles Katz, PhD., Arizona State University West David Schaefer M.S., Arizona State University West Ronald Fountain, Maricopa County A ttorney's Office Lieutenant Jim Edmondson, Phoenix Police Department Sergeant Paul Farrero, Phoenix Police Department Brennan Long, Phoenix Police Department Detective Frank Fontes, Pima County Sheriffs Office Sergeant John Sanders, Pima County Sheriffs Office
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
5
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
6
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Statistical Analysis Center
PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 41-2416, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has administered a statewide survey to criminal justice agencies to provide information identifying the prevalence of criminal street gangs and the resources utilized by criminal justice agencies that respond to gangs within the state. Through the examination of a variety of factors related to criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, this report seeks to provide important information that can be utilized to support policy recommendations and gang prevention strategies in Arizona. An experienced panel of researchers and criminal justice leaders helped modify the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report which improved the quality of information contained in this study. This year, the report emphasized the coordination efforts of the criminal justice community and how they address gang activity within the state. Specifically, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report assesses current information sharing strategies and identifies current and/or emerging gang trends within the State. Within the framework of a one-year time period (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000), the measurement tool was structured to obtain agency information regarding: (1) technological information systems; (2) use of gang membership identification criteria; (3) gang task force participation; (4) the adequacy of current gang-related legislation; and (5) the resources needed to enhance coordination efforts dedicated to the prevention of criminal street gangs within Arizona. The surveys were distributed statewide to criminal justice agencies with a final deadline of July 2001. For this report, the Statistical Analysis Center complemented the statewide survey with site visits to selected criminal justice agencies that responded to the gang population in Arizona. This year, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report includes an overview of: (1) the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM); (2) the Phoenix Police Department; (3) the Pima County Sheriff's Office; (4) the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Adobe Mountain School; and (5) the Arizona Department of Corrections Security Threat Group Unit (SMU2). In previous years, the number of criminal street gangs and the extent of gang-related activity in Arizona has been measured by capturing information from four criminal justice perspectives: law enforcement, prosecution, probation and corrections. In an effort to extend the utility of this gang report, the structure of this assessment has been modified to capture more agency-level information by highlighting the qualitative survey
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
7
responses received from criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. The shift in focus is due to the lack of consistency in agency survey response from year-to- year. At this time it is difficult to obtain an accurate numerical assessment of gang trends in Arizona because of inconsistencies in survey respondents (agency type, size and geographical region) each year. As a result of inconsistencies in survey respondents, a focus on qualitative agency responses represents the most effective method available to capture information indicative of gangs and related criminal activity in Arizona. The Arizona criminal justice system will face several challenges in addressing the problem of gangs within the state in the coming year. Rising populations, particularly in urban communities, have been found in other jurisdictions to contribute significantly to the increase in gang activity. Therefore, one of the major challenges facing the Arizona criminal justice system will be how to cope with a rapidly increasing population and be able to prevent the increase of gangs and gang behavior within the state. Additionally, there has been an observed transition of gang members from California to Arizona due to stiffer sentencing practices with our bordering state. Finally, because Arizona is a border state with Mexico, there are the additional challenges of dealing and coping with drug trafficking problems. This poses an increased burden upon law enforcement within the state, given the observed movement of Arizona gangs toward increased drug involvement. During the past decade, Arizona criminal justice agencies have made significant strides in setting standards for the identification and reporting of gang behavior and activity within the state. In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented legislation detailing the criteria for what constitutes gang membership. The Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC) is a statewide standard designed to assist criminal justice agencies in determining gang membership. Criminal justice agencies throughout the state indicated that challenges pertaining to coordination, information sharing, training and resources dedicated to gang activity stand as barriers to addressing gang problems in their communities. Participation by criminal justice agencies in a statewide database for the purpose of gang information sharing has been on the rise. It is recommended that efforts for improving the coordination in addressing criminal gang activity through information sharing continue. The participation in such efforts, as well as the dedication of resources for coordinating activities can contribute significantly in the fight against gang and drug activity within the state. In addition, it is critical that adequate prevention strategies and methods for the assessment of juvenile gang and delinquent behavior in the state continue to improve. In 2001, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission collaborated with other agencies in the state to adopt a needs assessment instrument highlighted by the juvenile justice system as a national model. In preparation for a related publication titled the 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona report, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission has partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Bureau of Substance
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
8
Abuse Treatment and Prevention, the Division of Behavioral Health Services, the Governor's Division of Drug Policy and the Arizona Department of Education to administer a survey that provides extensive data regarding substance abuse and gang activity among Arizona's youth population. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also consulted the Arizona State Gang Task Force in reviewing gang-related questions for improving the assessment of gang activity among Arizona youth. The 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona survey is based on the "Communities That Care" (CTC) model that was developed by J. David Hawkins, Ph.D; Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D.; and a team of researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle. The needs assessment instrument validated and assessed risk and protective factors of Arizona youth. Participation in this survey should be encouraged on a statewide basis to provide the best possible assessment for prevention and intervention strategies for the youth in Arizona. Specifically, information derived from the assessment about the prevalence of gang behaviors and activities for youth will be used to develop future gang prevention and intervention strategies within Arizona. No single strategy will resolve the problem of street gangs, drugs and gang activity within Arizona. Instead, this issue necessitates a concerted cooperative effort among criminal justice agencies and other stakeholders over time. Increased resources, dedicated assessments, proactive prevention strategies and information sharing among criminal justice agencies will provide successful options for addressing criminal street gang activity within the state of Arizona. Increased resources will enhance existing anti-gang projects within the state.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
9
INTRODUCTION
Since 1990, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 41-2416, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has administered a statewide survey to criminal justice agencies to determine the number of criminal street gangs, the extent of street gang-related crime, and the degree to which criminal street gangs participate in drugrelated activities in Arizona. In response to growing concerns regarding criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, the purpose of this report is to provide information identifying the prevalence of criminal street gangs and the resources used by criminal justice agencies that respond to criminal gangs within the state. Through the examination of a variety of factors related to criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, this report seeks to provide resourceful information to criminal justice agencies, policy makers and the public. This information will help stakeholders to support policy recommendations and better understand gang prevention strategies in Arizona. In order to provide additional insight about gangs in Arizona, criminal justice agencies within the state have been included in this report to shed light on the strategic antigang and prevention efforts of various criminal justice organizations. This year, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report includes information provided by: (1) the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM); (2) the Phoenix Police Department; (3) the Pima County Sheriff's Office; (4) the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Adobe Mountain School; and (5) the Arizona Department of Corrections, Security Threat Group Unit (SMU2).
RESEARCH METHODS
For more than a decade, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission has conducted an annual survey of state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to determine and explore the extent of criminal street gangs and gang-related activity in Arizona. In 1992 and 1993, the gang assessment survey was expanded to include federal, tribal and airport law enforcement agencies as well as county prosecutors and probation departments. The 1998-1999 survey was further modified to include correctional agencies, and the report for that year included more comprehensive gang-related information reflective of the largest agency survey response since the origination of the Street Gangs in Arizona report. In preparation for the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report, the Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) revised the 1999 survey based upon the recommendations of an experienced panel of researchers and various members of the criminal justice community who work extensively with gangs. The survey instrument was revised to include more agency specific questions and to omit information not reflective of current or emerging gang trends. Over a one-year period (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000), the measurement tool was structured to obtain agency information regarding: (1) technological information systems; (2) use of gang membership identification criteria; (3) gang task force participation; (4) the adequacy of current gang-related
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
10
legislation; and (5) the resources needed to enhance coordinated prevention efforts in Arizona. There were 355 surveys distributed statewide to criminal justice agencies.
RESEARCH SAMPLE
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission administered surveys to approximately 355 criminal justice agencies in Arizona. Surveys were distributed to 202 law enforcement agencies (15 sheriffs' offices, 81 police departments, 22 tribal police departments, 75 federal agencies, five railroad police departments, and four university police); 119 prosecution agencies (84 municipal prosecutors, 15 county attorneys, 19 tribal prosecutors, and the Attorney General's office); 24 probation agencies (15 adult and nine juvenile); five parole offices; and five correctional agencies (one state, one juvenile, and three federal). Of the total number of surveys distributed to criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona (355), a total of 254 (72 percent) surveys were returned (Appendix A). (Note: It is important to mention that not all responding agencies provided answers to each
survey question. Therefore, when presenting the survey findings in this report, the number of respondents varies from question to question).
REPORT MODIFICATIONS
In previous years, the number of criminal street gangs and the extent of gang-related activity in Arizona has been measured by capturing information from four criminal justice perspectives: law enforcement, prosecution, probation and corrections. In an effort to extend the utility of this gang report, the structure of this assessment has been modified to capture more agency-level information by highlighting qualitative survey responses received from criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. The shift in focus is due to the lack of consistency in agency survey response from year to year. As a result of these inconsistencies, a focus on qualitative agency responses represents the most effective method available to capture information about gangs and gang-related criminal activity in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
11
ARIZONA LEGISLATION
In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented several street gang-related definitions and sentencing provisions for the purpose of enhancing gang reduction and prevention strategies statewide. Included in these definitions were seven criteria developed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) that constitute the formal Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC). The Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC) represents a statewide standard designed to assist criminal justice agencies with objectively determining gang membership. In addition to establishing gang-related definitions, the sentencing provisions enacted by the legislature increased the presumptive, minimum and maximum sentence for offenses by three years in addition to any other applicable enhanced sentences for identified street gang members. Section 13-105 of the Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) provides definitions for a "criminal street gang" and "criminal street gang member." According to A.R.S. 13105.7, " `Criminal street gang' means an ongoing formal or informal association of persons whose members or associates individually or collectively engage in the commission, attempted commission, facilitation or solicitation of any felony act and who has at least one individual who is a criminal street gang member." The definition of a criminal street gang member is provided through A.R.S. 13-105.8, and states that an individual must meet at least two of the seven criteria in order to be classified as a participant in a gang. Pursuant to A.R.S. 13-105.8, the criterion is: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) Self-proclamation Witness testimony or official statement Written or electronic correspondence Paraphernalia or photographs Tattoos Clothing or colors Any other indicia of street gang membership
Collectively, these seven criteria constitute formal Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC), and each criterion is specifically examined below.
Self-Proclamation: the self-admission of gang membership or association with a street gang. Self-proclamation can be documented in all records of contact using suspect, victim, and/or witness accounts by criminal justice agencies. Witness testimony or official statement: many include court testimony, depositions, or interviews with suspects, victims, witnesses, or confidential informants. Written or electronic correspondence: includes information making reference to any gang activity, incidents, names or nicknames. These
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
12
references may be found in letters, notes, tapes or documents, and can be noted in records of contact, intelligence information and incidents of criminal investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Paraphernalia or photographs: includes photographs or drawings depicting gang membership, association or involvement. Also included are rings, calling cards, weapons, or other symbols referring to the gang, whether in or out of the control or possession of the gang member. These objects aid in identification of individuals and groups by showing locations, documents or propaganda relating to the gang. Tattoos: used in identifying a specific gang moniker or symbol, regardless of gang type. The tattoos may be covered up, burned out or be old tattoos. Clothing and colors: include the type, color or manner in which clothing is worn. Other signs include rags, patches, belt buckles and/or jewelry. The type of gang may be a street, prison, motorcycle, or other gang, and the articles may include bandannas, hats, vests, specific colors and accessories. Any other indicia of street gang membership: this seventh indicator of street gang membership provides for the recognition of new or innovative ways the ever-changing gang cultures may devise for self-recognition or recognition by others.
Arizona Revised Statutes 13-604(T) and 13-2308 address sentencing provisions of identified gang members. A.R.S. 13-604(T) states, "A person convicted of committing any felony offense with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by a criminal street gang shall not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as authorized by A.R.S. 31233, subsection (a) or (b) until the sentence imposed by the court has been served, the person is eligible for release pursuant to 41-1604.7 or the sentence is commuted. In addition, the presumptive, minimum and maximum sentence for the offense shall be increased by three years. The increased sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection is in addition to any enhanced sentence that may be applicable. Finally, A.R.S. 13-2308 (F, G, and H) detail sentencing provisions: F. Assisting a criminal syndicate is a class 4 felony. If committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by the gang, assisting a criminal syndicate is a class 3 felony. G. A person who violates subsection A, paragraph 1,2,3 or 4 of this section for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with any criminal street
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
13
gang, with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by the gang, is guilty of a class 2 felony. H. Use of a common name, common identifying sign or symbol shall be admissible and may be considered in proving the combination of persons or enterprises required by this section.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
14
HISTORY OF GANGS
No clear indicators exist to identify the emergence of the first youth gangs in the United States. The earliest records available reveal that gangs may have emerged as early as 1783, following the end of the American Revolution (Finestone, 1976; Sante, 1991; Spergel, 1995). The Industrial Revolution also contributed to the development of gangs in New England during the 1800s. During the industrial era, immigration and population shifts reached such high levels that gangs also became prevalent in Chicago (Finestone, 1976). From the earliest stages in American history, it ensues that during sharp population shifts gangs appear to have been most visible (Howell, 1998). There are many theories that address why an individual would become involved in a gang. One view of gang development theorizes that gangs develop due to lack of "social control." The core of social control theory posits that delinquent behavior occurs because it is not prevented in the first place. There are many versions of social control theory, the most prevalent view was written by sociologist Travis Hirschi. According to Hirschi, all humans are capable of committing crime; but how closely one is connected to social bonds such as parents, the surrounding community, work, home and longterm goals is what keeps most people from committing crime (Sheldon, Tracy, & Brown, 1997). The question addressed by social control theory is not why some individuals commit crime, but rather, why most persons do not. Street gangs in Arizona have been documented back to the 1940s, when neighborhoodoriented Hispanic gangs were involved in protecting their own "barrios." In the 1970s and 1980s, Arizona experienced the migration of black gangs from states like California into the urban areas. In the 1990s, Native American gangs became more pronounced and have been recognized by tribal officials as a "gang problem." Additionally, street gang members have migrated from New Mexico into eastern Arizona, while western Arizona has noticed increased gang membership from California and Nevada. The Black Gangster Disciple Nation (Chicago) has also made its way into several Arizona communities (GITEM, 1997).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
15
GANG TRENDS
According to the National Youth Survey administered by the National Youth Gang Center, the prevalence of gangs in the United States has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, with many communities now facing a gang population that crosses all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic boundaries. National surveys of gang activity now estimate that there are approximately 800,000 gang members in the United States, and about 30,000 gangs (OJJDP, 1999). As such, communities once thought to be impervious to gangs and gang violence have experienced the increased presence and growth of gang activity. In a recent publication highlighting the trends of youth gang emergence by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the number of states identifying gang problems grew considerably between the 1970s and 1990s. In the 1970s, 19 states reported gang problems, but by the late 1990s all 50 states and the District of Columbia confirmed gang activity. The states that reported the largest number of cities with gang problems in 1998 were California (363), Illinois (261), Texas (156), Florida (125), and Ohio (86). This illustrates a dramatic increase when compared to what was reported in the 1970s when only California and Illinois reported gang problems (OJJDP, 2001). (These statistics refer only to youth gangs and do not include prison gangs and
motorcycle gangs).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
16
ARIZONA GANG ASSESSMENT
The information presented within this section of the report was obtained from the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) under the direction of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and is designed to provide an overview of current gang trends in Arizona. The extent and level of gang activity varies among different areas. As such, it is important to note that the Arizona Gang Assessment is designed to provide an overview from a state perspective, and may not be reflective of specific jurisdictions at the local level. As of May, 1, 2002, using federal guidelines for defining gangs (three or more individuals), the current number of gangs listed in the database is approximately 514. There are a total of 998 gangs represented in the database which includes gangs having less than three members. Additionally, there are 15,779 gang members listed in the state system who meet at least two of the seven criteria as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (GMIC guidelines). There are a total of 29,883 gang "associates" in the state system. This number represents individuals that have been entered into the database, but meet only one of the seven GMIC criteria. At this time in Arizona, the largest criminal street gang is known as "Hollywood", with a documented membership of approximately 400 individuals. The criminal street gang with the largest number is "Wetback Power", with 23 sets (a set is a subgroup of a gang) and more than 900 members statewide. The dominant racial composition of Arizona gangs is either Hispanic or hybrid, but experts note that many gangs are becoming hybrid due to an emerging trend where the focus has shifted from traditional rival/associate mentalities to committing crimes for economic benefit. Criminal street gangs in Arizona are often extremely mobile, with members frequently traveling throughout the state to establish sets in different cities and towns to carry out criminal activities. This fact is evidenced by a number of gangs such as the "Maryvale Gangster Crips," which originated in urban areas of Arizona, but have since expanded to several different counties throughout the state. For example, the mobility of criminal street gangs has increased through their involvement in the transportation of illegal aliens, drug trafficking, and auto thefts for the purpose of transporting narcotics within the state. The types of crimes committed by criminal street gangs in Arizona include, but are not limited to, drive-by shootings, homicides, aggravated assaults, narcotics activity, burglary, trespassing, and criminal damage. The weapons used by criminal street gangs range from baseball bats to assault rifles. Gang experts also say that knives are popular among gang members due to their availability and ease of concealment, and lack of regulations. Arizona gang experts note that the current weapon of choice is the semi-automatic handgun. In Arizona, as the organizational structure of criminal street gang's increases, their use of weapons and availability to gangs also increases.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
17
It is predicted that the number of gangs and gang-related criminal activity will increase in Arizona in keeping pace with our current population growth. This trend is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. This prediction is based upon state trends that have been documented by the Department of Public Safety (GITEM) over the past few years. On a national level, the population growth of Arizona is second only to Nevada. The "three strikes" rule in California, which targets repeat offenders, has resulted in many gang members relocating to Arizona to avoid being sentenced under this law. Because California represents a state with an abundance of gang members and related criminal activity, even a small number of gang members relocating to Arizona will impact gang numbers and activity within the state. Also, many gang members from other states or locales are relocating to Arizona because of the potential economic gains associated with criminal activity. Currently, Arizona is located on one of the most frequently used narcotics-trafficking routes in the United States, and is a major trans-shipment point for international drug and alien smuggling trades. Both the geographical location and current criminal activity trends make the state an ideal target for illegal economic profits. As a result of the predicted increase in both the number of gangs (members) and related criminal activity, it is important that criminal justice agencies throughout the state continue to receive the necessary resources to effectively respond to the issue of gangs.
INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE
A section of the gang assessment survey distributed to law enforcement, prosecution, and probation agencies was designed to solicit information related to the collection, receipt and dissemination of information and/or intelligence. Before presenting the findings specific to information and intelligence, it is important to clarify the difference between the two concepts. Information is the raw data collected by criminal justice agencies, which is maintained either manually or by computer. Understanding the raw data collected by agencies is critical to the effective and successful utilization of this information. A fundamental component to understanding raw data (information) is intelligence, which is defined as the "process involving the collection, evaluation, collation, analysis, dissemination and re-evaluation of information on suspected criminals and/or organizations" (Harris, 1976). The process for the production of criminal intelligence is cyclical and each step is critical to the end goal. While each step contributes to the production of timely and accurate criminal intelligence reports, the fourth step represents the separation of intelligence from information. Analysis is conducted through "compiling, summarizing, comparing, and organizing information into meaningful relationships regarding the criminal and criminal organizations. In sum, analysis is the portion of the intelligence process that transforms the raw data into a product that is useful" (LEIU & IALEIA, 2000, p. 8). The
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
18
following diagram illustrates the cyclical process of transforming information into intelligence: DIAGRAM I: INFORMATION & INTELLIGENCE PROCESS
STEP 1
PLANNING & DIRECTION
STEP 5 DISSEMINATE
STEP 2 COLLECTION
LAW ENFORCEMENT DECISION/ACTION
STEP 4 ANALYSIS & PRODUCTION NN
STEP 3
PROCESSING & COLLATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Within the state of Arizona, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the central repository for all gang statistics collected by county and municipal law enforcement agencies. However, at this time not all gang-related data is reported to DPS as participation is voluntary. Therefore, in order to obtain an accurate assessment of criminal street gangs and gang related activity, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) administered a gang assessment survey to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. A total of 140 law enforcement agencies responded to the street gang survey. The 2000 gang survey includes law enforcement responses from: 43 federal agencies, five state agencies, 13 county agencies, 60 municipal agencies, 10 tribal agencies, and nine miscellaneous agencies.
Information Systems
Law enforcement agencies were asked to provide responses to questions regarding the information and/or intelligence collection system of their agency. Nineteen of the 70 (27 percent) respondents to this question indicated that their agency only collects gangrelated information; one agency stated that their agency collects intelligence exclusively; and the remaining 50 responded that their agency collects both information and intelligence. The following table summarizes the information and/or intelligence collection system utilized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
19
Table I: INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION INFORMATION INTELLIGENCE BOTH NOT APPLICABLE TOTAL Number 19 1 50 70 140 Percentage 27 1 36 50 100
Most law enforcement agencies reported using a combination of both manual and computerized systems to maintain information and/or intelligence on street gangs in Arizona. Twenty-six of the 71 agencies that provided responses to this question reported the use of a manual system; 11 indicated the use of a computerized system; and 34 law enforcement agencies use both manual and computerized systems. The 2000 gang assessment survey also included questions related to the dissemination of information to other criminal justice agencies. Of the 76 responding law enforcement agencies, 64 reported that their agency disseminates gang-related information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. In contrast, 12 agencies indicated that they do not disseminate information to other criminal justice agencies. The table below summarizes the survey responses related to the dissemination of information to other criminal justice agencies. Table II: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 64 12 76 Percentage 84 16 100
YES NO TOTAL
In addition to disseminating information to criminal justice agencies, 72 law enforcement agencies also indicated that they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies, and at this time four agencies do not receive such information from other criminal justice agencies. In an effort to obtain additional data, 52 of 77 responding law enforcement agencies added that their agency receives gang information from sources outside the criminal justice system, while 25 agencies do not receive information from outside sources.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
20
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Establishing a standard for the identification and documentation of gang members represents a fundamental component of gang prevention strategies. Law enforcement agencies were asked to provide information reflective of the gang identification standards utilized by their agency. Specifically, the survey was designed to determine whether the gang definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105 (GMIC) or other identification criteria was used by law enforcement agencies. Fifty-two respondents indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105; seventeen stated they use A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria; and four stated they used other criteria exclusively. Examples of other criteria used include tribal ordinances and the Federal RICO Statute, Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1961. Other criteria used by agencies in conjunction with A.R.S. 13105 include utilizing outside resources from other departments and task forces such as GITEM or GMIC cards. Table VI: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA Number 52 17 4 73 Percentage 71 23 6 100
A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL
Gang Task Force Participation
Seventy-five law enforcement agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional gang task force. Of those that responded, 40 stated they participate in such a task force while 35 said they do not. The most commonly cited task force was GITEM. Table VII: TASK FORCE PARTICPATION YES NO TOTAL 21 Number 40 35 75 Percentage 53 47 100
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Respondents indicated that the main purpose of task force participation is for information/intelligence gathering and operations/enforcement. Law enforcement agencies were also asked whether they had a specialized street gang unit. Fifty-eight of 74 agencies responded that they did not; the remaining 16 agencies stated that they did have a specialized street gang unit within their agency. Table VIII: SPECIALIZED GANG UNIT YES NO TOTAL Number 58 16 74 Percentage 78 22 100
Street Gang Activity
In addition to obtaining agency-level information, the 2000 gang assessment survey was designed to solicit information relating to the types of criminal activity conducted by gangs in Arizona. Law enforcement agencies were asked to identify the primary criminal activities engaged in by gangs within their particular jurisdiction. Although respondents varied by geographical region, the types of crimes identified by law enforcement agencies can be classified into five categories: assault, narcotics, burglary, theft, and criminal damage. The following diagram illustrates the percentage of reported criminal activity conducted by gangs in Arizona. Diagram II: Criminal Activity of Gangs
10% 6% 13%
31%
40%
Assault
Narcotics
Burglary
Theft
Criminal Damage
Diagram II above illustrates that crimes involving narcotics/drugs comprises the largest reported criminal activity of gangs by law enforcement in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
22
Diagram III below demonstrates the primary drugs trafficked by criminal street gangs in Arizona as reported by law enforcement agencies. Marijuana (46 percent) and crack cocaine (29 percent) represent the two most commonly trafficked drugs by criminal street gangs in Arizona followed by amphetamines/methamphetamines (15 percent) and cocaine (8 percent). The category "other" (one percent) represents the least commonly trafficked drug(s) by Arizona criminal street gangs and includes heroin, PCP, LSD and other Schedule I drugs. Diagram III: Primary Drugs Trafficked by Criminal Street Gangs
15% 8% 47%
1%
29%
Methamphetamines
Cocaine
Crack
Other
Marijuana
When asked in what ways Arizona laws could more effectively address the problem of criminal street gang activity, some respondents suggested the need for enforcement of existing gang legislation. Recommendations from remaining respondents include community and youth education, increased money and/or legislation for additional gang units, as well as a need for a standardized database at both the state and national level.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
23
Law enforcement agencies were also asked to report what they considered to be the five priority issues, aside from increased funding, critical to effectively dealing with street gangs. The most commonly cited answers, in order of occurrence, were: a focus on intelligence, coordination, standardization, and enforcement (27%); community safety, education, and involvement (19%); aggressive sentencing and enforcement (15%); increased personnel/manpower (11%); more officer training/education (11%), and other (18%). DIAGRAM IV: PRIORITY ISSUES
18% 11%
26%
11%
15%
19%
Coordination Community Education Aggressive Sentencing/Enforcement Increased Personnel Officer Training Other
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
24
PROSECUTION
Since 1992, state and county level prosecution agencies have been included in the street gang report. In 1999, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission expanded the list of surveyed prosecution agencies to include city prosecutors for the purpose of determining if misdemeanor crimes such as criminal damage/graffiti are being prosecuted at the local or county levels. By expanding the prosecution portion of this survey, it was found that most municipal agencies do not prosecute gang members because gang-related cases are regularly transferred to county prosecutors as mandated by state statute. A total of 90 prosecution agencies responded to the 2000 gang assessment survey. Responses were received from all 15 county attorneys, 71 municipal agencies, and four tribal prosecution agencies. Similar to law enforcement, the 2000 gang assessment survey asked prosecution agencies to provide information related to information systems, gang membership identification criteria, task force participation, and gangrelated prosecution data. This section of the report highlights responses from state, county and city prosecution agencies.
Information Systems
Prosecution agencies were asked to provide responses to questions about their information and/or intelligence collection system. Ten of the 12 reporting agencies indicated that they only collect gang-related information; two stated their agencies collected both information and intelligence. Table I: INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION INFORMATION INTELLIGENCE BOTH NOT APPLICABLE TOTAL Number 10 0 2 78 90 Percentage 11 0 2 87 100
In addition, three of seven responding prosecution agencies stated they utilize a manual information and/or intelligence collection system; the remaining four reported they use a combination of manual and computerized data collection methods.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
25
Table II: MANUAL OR COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION MANUAL COMPUTERIZED BOTH TOTAL Number 52 17 4 73 Percentage 71 23 6 100
Eight of 17 responding, prosecution agencies reported that they disseminate gangrelated information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. Nine indicated that they do not disseminate information. Table III: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number Percentage YES 8 47 NO 9 53 TOTAL 17 100
Fourteen also stated that they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies, while four responded that they do not receive such information. Seven of 18 prosecution agencies also added that they receive gang information from sources outside of the criminal justice system.
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Prosecution agencies were asked how they identify gang membership. The question specifically addressed whether they used the definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105, A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria, or other criteria exclusively. Twelve respondents indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105, while four use the statute plus other criteria. Other criteria cited include relevant information received from law enforcement personnel. It is important to note that Gang Membership Identification Criteria is primarily an activity conducted by Law Enforcement.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
26
Table IV: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL Number 12 4 0 16 Percentage 75 25 0 100
Gang Task Force Participation
Eighteen prosecution agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional task force. Of those that responded, 11 stated they participate in a task force, while seven said they do not. The most commonly cited task force was GITEM. Table V:
TASK FORCE PARTICPATION
YES NO TOTAL Number 11 7 18 Percentage 61 39 100
Street Gang Activity
According to respondents, the top priority issues for prosecution agencies, aside from increased funding, that were viewed as critical to addressing the problem of street gangs were: an increased focus on intelligence coordination, standardization, and enforcement; more aggressive sentencing and enforcement; community education and involvement; and additional officer training. Prosecution agencies were asked to express any additional concerns, questions, or comments they may have on the subject of street gangs in Arizona. Respondents to this question indicated a need for additional resources in addressing the problem of street gangs in their jurisdiction. There was also concern expressed regarding gang problems occurring within the reservations.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
27
PROBATION
A total of 23 probation departments in Arizona responded to the 2000 gang assessment survey. Information was received from all 15 counties throughout the state. Participating agencies included nine adult probation departments, seven juvenile probation departments and six county probation departments (Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, and Santa Cruz) that supervise both adult and juvenile offenders. The 2000 gang assessment survey of probation agencies asked them to report on information pertaining to information systems, gang membership identification criteria, task force participation, and supervision data.
Information Systems
Seven of the 14 reporting agencies indicated that their collection system is manual; four reported utilizing a computerized system; and the remaining three responded that they use both manual and computerized collection systems. Table I: MANUAL OR COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION MANUAL COMPUTERIZED BOTH TOTAL Number 7 4 3 14 Percentage 50 29 21 100
Participating agencies were asked whether they disseminate gang-related information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. Fourteen agencies responded to this question. Thirteen indicated that they disseminate gang-related information to other agencies, while one respondent stated that they do not. Table II: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 13 1 14 28 Percentage 93 7 100
YES NO TOTAL
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Probation departments were also asked whether they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies. Thirteen of the 14 respondents indicated that they receive information from other agencies, while one agency said they do not. Table III: RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 13 1 14 Percentage 93 7 100
YES NO TOTAL
Additionally, all 14 respondents stated that their agency receives information and/or intelligence from sources outside of the criminal justice system.
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Fourteen probation departments gave feedback on the methods used to identify gang membership. The question specifically addressed whether they identify gang membership through the definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105, A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria, or other criteria alone. Nine of the responding probation agencies indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105, four use the statute plus other criteria, and one uses other criteria exclusively. Table IV: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA Number A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL
9 4 1 14
Percentage
64 29 7 100
Probation departments have implemented different strategies to combat gang problems in their jurisdictions. Specialized caseloads, special conditions for individuals who claim
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
29
gang membership and probation department participation in local gang task forces are common practices for dealing with gang members on probation. In 2000, only one of 13 respondents indicated that their agency maintains specialized caseloads for street gang members. Eleven of 14 respondents reported participating in a gang task force. Four departments reported maintaining special conditions of probation for street gang members. Some of the special conditions imposed upon gang members include disallowing any association with other gang members. They are also forbidden to wear any "colors" or gang-related clothing. Probation departments were asked whether they have a graffiti abatement program. Twelve of the 13 probation departments that answered this question stated they do; one agency indicated they do not. Eight of 13, or 57 percent of responding probation departments reported that there is consistency in identification and reporting of gang members. Five agencies do not believe there is consistency in identification and reporting.
Task Force Participation
Fourteen probation agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional task force. Of those that responded, 11 stated they participate in such a task force while three said they do not. The only task force cited more than once as the task force the agency participated in was GITEM. Table V
TASK FORCE PARTICPATION
YES NO TOTAL Number 11 3 14 Percentage 79 21 100
Street Gang Activity
Agencies were asked whether they felt the street gang problem in their jurisdiction is growing, decreasing, or staying the same. Of the 11 respondents, two reported they believe the problem is currently under control; four stated the problem is growing but controllable utilizing current resources; three said it is growing and additional resources are needed; one said the street gang problem is getting out of control; and one said the problem is actually diminishing. Agencies were also asked to give their opinion about whether or not Arizona laws sufficiently address the criminal activity of street gangs. The 12 probation departments that responded to this question felt that current laws are sufficient.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
30
According to respondents, the top priority issues for probation agencies, aside from increased funding, considered critical to addressing the problem of street gangs were: a focus on intelligence, coordination, standardization, and enforcement; increased personnel/manpower; aggressive sentencing and enforcement; more officer training/education; and community safety, education, and involvement. Additional comments submitted by agencies include the concern that as prison population increases, the number of gang-related criminal activities increase as well. Adult probation respondents also commented that most gang-related activity occurs within the juvenile population. Gila County Probation indicated that their agency has been very active during the last six years, and that during this time a decline in gang-related activity has occurred locally.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
31
CORRECTIONS
Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) The Arizona Department of Corrections is a state-level agency created "[t]o serve and protect the people of Arizona by imprisoning those offenders legally committed to the Department and by providing community based supervision for those conditionally released." Upon incarceration with the Arizona Department of Corrections, inmates are identified for tracking purposes in order to determine street gang membership, assess whether the inmates will become threats to institutional security, or if they are likely to coalesce in a security threat group, or prison gang. Gang intelligence information is collected from within the institution as well as from other criminal justice agencies or outside sources. In exchange, the ADC shares their information with other criminal justice entities. The ADC also has a working relationship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the operation and enforcement of security threat groups/street gangs. There are currently eight certified security threat groups within the Arizona Department of Corrections. They are: Aryan Brotherhood Surenos Border Brothers Grandel Old Mexican Mafia Mau Mau New Mexican Mafia Warrior Society
There are two additional groups being monitored by the Department of Corrections: La Raza and African American Council. In 2001, the Arizona Department of Corrections used A.R.S. 13-105 and Corrections Department Order 806 to identify 112 gang members; and another 649 were suspected as security threat group/street gang members for a total of 761 documented members. ADC tracks every inmate with gang-related association, including: (1) inmates who have passed the Department's internally-developed qualitative review process designed to provide clear documentation confirming membership in a specific gang; (2) inmates who have displayed some gang-related behavior or other indicators, but have not yet passed the Department's validation criteria; and (3) inmates who have renounced gang membership, but are still tracked for gang association. A specialized unit consisting of two supervisors and 10 special investigators worked in DOC's Security Threat Group Unit in 2000.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
32
Recorded Security Threat Group/Street Gang Members
1998
Aryan Brotherhood Border Brothers Grandel Mau-Mau New Mexican Mafia Old Mexican Mafia Surenos TOTAL 239 -205 167 208 53 -842
1999
238 -228 184 270 60 -980
2000
346 507 266 158 293 60 302 1,932
According to the Arizona Department of Corrections, current Arizona criminal statutes adequately address the security threat group/street gang problem. However, the agency believes that the STG/street gang problem is growing and could be better controlled given additional resources. To this end, priorities for the ADC include staff/public safety awareness, inmate safety, institutional security, reduction of security threat group influence and reduction of STG related crimes. Adult correctional facilities label prison gangs as `security threat groups' because in a secured setting, for any extended length of time, gangs can pose a threat to the security of an institution. Nationally, juvenile correctional facilities report that organized gang activity within the prison system is becoming more sophisticated than activity on the outside. The Arizona Department of Corrections does experience `organized' activity such as drug, extortion, assault and homicide activities among inmate gang members and other gang members (either inside or outside the facility). Community supervision at the state level does not include a specialized caseload for released security threat group/street gang members, but there are special conditions of release. For example, identified STG/street gang members may not associate with any other known STG/street gang member while under community supervision.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
33
DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS
Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) is the state agency responsible for juveniles adjudicated delinquent and committed to its jurisdiction by the county juvenile courts. The agency mission statement is to enhance protection by changing delinquent thinking and behaviors of juvenile offenders committed to the department. ADJC is accountable to the citizens of Arizona for the promotion of public safety through the management of the state's secure juvenile facilities and the development and provision of a continuum to juvenile offenders including rehabilitation, treatment and education. ADJC was established in 1990 as a separate, cabinet-level agency and now operates more than 900 beds at five facilities. ADJC secure facilities include: The Adobe Mountain School, located north of Phoenix; The Encanto Mental Health facility for boys, located on the grounds of Adobe Mountain; The Black Canyon facility for girls, located north of Phoenix; The Catalina Mountain facility, located north of Tucson; and The Southwest Regional Juvenile Corrections Complex, located south of the Town of Buckeye.
The table below illustrates the Average Institutional Count and Capacity for each of the Juvenile facilities.
Year Adobe Mountain Average Capacity 406 538 464 471 407 408 408 408 420 470 Catalina Mountain Average Capacity 128 151 150 146 142 124 124 124 146 416 Black Canyon Average Capacity 191 213 174 155 111 192 192 192 168 118 Southwest Regional Average Capacity 0 0 92 135 232 0 0 200 300 400 Encanto Average 26 29 30 0 31 Capacity 34 34 34 34 34
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Average Institutional Count is the average population for the Fiscal Year. The Capacity is the budgeted funded average bed count for the Fiscal Year.
The secure facilities within ADJC offer specialized programs for sexual offenders, violent offenders and substance abuse. Each juvenile is evaluated within 30 days of entering the system to determine the best way to address his or her delinquency. During this 10day evaluation process, individuals are identified according to A.R.S 13-105 for gang membership; and if gang affiliation is determined, photographs are taken of any tattoos or identifying marks associated with the gang. Once street gang membership
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
34
information is compiled, it is entered into a computerized system that tracks any future activity the individual is involved in during their stay at ADJC. Each facility collects information and intelligence on street gang members and/or security threat groups internally and externally. The information and intelligence on street gang members compiled by ADJC is shared with other criminal justice agencies. In addition, the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections participates in the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) for information and intelligence gathering purposes. The ADJC often works with other criminal justice agencies with respect to gang intelligence and enforcement. Specific programs within the secure facilities are designed to identify the root causes of juvenile crime. For instance, juveniles attend daily counseling and life-skills classes that are designed to develop better decision-making skills, instill a sense of responsibility and consequences for individual actions, and change behaviors that contribute to criminal activity. Additionally, youth in secure facilities participate in work programs designed to build basic job skills and proficiency in a given area. Academic classes are mandatory for youth who have not completed high school. Juveniles enrolled in ADJC programs are assisted to develop the academic skills they need for the career goals the youth identifies. The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections tracks every reported incident occurring within the facilities initiating an Incident Report. Included in an Incident Report are the date, time, unit(s), juvenile name(s), juvenile number(s), gang affiliation(s) and a description of the incident. All Incident Reports are recorded, and full reports of gang activity are analyzed on a monthly and annual basis.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
35
The following table outlines all reported gang activity for 2000 in the Adobe Mountain Facility.
September
November
December
February 334 33 226 88 22 00
440 Number of incidents Staff assaults Youth/youth assaults Gang related verbal conflicts Destruction state property/ graffiti Promoting gang affiliation w/ clothing Gang signs Tattoos Gang paraphernalia (drawing/writing) Use of force Other Total 66 227 44 00 00
00 00 11 88 11 447
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
January
October
August
331 33 221 55 22 00
March 44 11 00 112 00 448
Total
223 33 112 44 00 00
April
June 113 00 24 22 00 11
112 30 26 00 22 30
May
116 00 26 11 22 00
July
110 22 11 00 11 22
99 11 24 33 00 00
111 00 00 77 22 00
88 00 33 55 00 00
112 11 55 11 22 00
2219 119 1115 441 113 13
00 11 00 110 00 554
11 33 22 44 00 229
33 30 22 11 44 118
22 23 11 11 33 117
00 33 22 44 22 220
11 00 55 11 66 229
22 00 00 33 22 115
11 00 11 00 00 111
22 00 22 33 00 115
10 11 33 00 22 115
116 112 119 445 220 3314
36
FOCUS AGENCIES
Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission
The Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) under the direction of Arizona Department of Public Safety was created by the Arizona State Legislature in 1994 with House Bill 2003 to assist criminal justice agencies statewide in formulating and implementing criminal gang enforcement and investigative strategies through the State Gang Task force. Originally, GITEM consisted of three squads in Maricopa and Pima counties, but eventually expanded to include one squad in Yuma, Cochise, Coconino and Apache/Navajo counties. The final and most recent expansion of GITEM included the addition of squads in both Mohave and Pinal counties. At present, eight of 15 counties have active GITEM squads in their jurisdiction. The goal of GITEM is to reduce gang-related criminal activity in Arizona, and to increase awareness and proficiency in responding to criminal street gangs throughout the state. To achieve this mission, GITEM identifies criminal street gangs and/or members in various communities, evaluates their activities and develops strategies to eradicate the gang from the community. Specific activities and operations of GITEM include: Targeting known violent gang members for investigations Conducting covert investigations and operations of known gang offenders Providing gang training, education and intelligence to other agencies Participating in community graffiti abatement programs Publishing bulletins Assessing the threats of gang communities Assisting other agencies with the eradication criminal street gangs Conducting event specific enforcement activities
The task force unites law enforcement and prosecution agencies on the federal, tribal, state, county and municipal levels. The street gang problem is confronted utilizing a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to gang conditions and consists of welltrained gang investigators. At this time, approximately 40 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies provide officers to the State Gang Task Force through GITEM. The following agencies either reported their participation in GITEM or were reported by the Department of Public Safety to have participated in the task force: Apache County Sheriff's Office Apache Junction Police Department Avondale Police Department Benson Police Department Bullhead City Police Department Casa Grande Police Department 37 Chandler Police Department Cochise County Sheriff's Office Coconino County Sheriff's Office Coolidge Police Department Douglas Police Department El Mirage Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Eloy Police Department Flagstaff Police Dep artment Glendale Police Department Holbrook Police Department INS--Phoenix Kingman Police Department Marana Police Department Mohave County Sheriff's Office Navajo County Sheriff's Office Northern Arizona University Police Oro Valley Police Department Pascua Yaqui Tribal Police Phoenix Police Department Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Pima Community College Pima County Attorney's Office Pinetop-Lakeside Police San Luis Police Department Scottsdale Police Department Sierra Vista Police Department Show Low Police Department Surprise Police Department Tempe Police Department Tolleson Police Department Willcox Police Department Winslow Police Department Yuma County Sheriff's Office Yuma Police Department
In October 1999, the database currently used by GITEM was implemented after gang data was transferred from the mainframe computer of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The database contains information on thousands of gang members in Arizona, and provides agencies with access to photographs as well as information pertaining to a suspect's height, eye color, tattoos, and scars. The database also provides information on associates and suspected gang affiliations. As of June 2000, more than 15,000 suspects were contained in the database. It is important to note that the number of individuals included in the database represent instances where police contact has occurred. Of the estimated 15,000 suspects within the database, more than 12,000 meet at least two of the Gang Member Identification Criteria as identified in A.R.S 13-105.8. The additional 2,000 are classified as "associates," and meet only one of the seven Gang Member Identification Criteria. It is important to note that these numbers do not include the hundreds of names used as aliases. The database allows agencies to efficiently and accurately assess the organization of a criminal street gang. The state gang database also allows agencies to "weed-out" individuals that are loosely affiliated with various criminal street gangs, and to identify key gang members that are involved in criminal activity. In addition, the database also provides enhanced safety measures for law enforcement officers by identifying potentially dangerous individuals. In an effort to further coordinate strategies and information sharing, GITEM has developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which created a joint agency operation and outlines the process for sharing data contained in the state gang database. The Memorandum of Understanding further delineates roles and responsibilities of agencies participating in the task force. Currently, 23 agencies have entered into the MOU with GITEM (Appendix B).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA 38
The effectiveness of GITEM can be measured through the strategic activities performed by the organization in response to gangs and related criminal activity within the state. The following table provides statistical information on GITEM for the year 2000.
GITEM Strategic Activities
Number of Community Contacts Number of field identification cards Number of gang members arrests (adult) Number of gang members arrests (juvenile) Number of Firearms seized Number of arrests with weapons Number of narcotics arrests Amount of marijuana seized Amount of heroin seized Amount of crack cocaine seized Amount of methamphetamines seized Amount of currency seized Number of vehicles seized Estimated value of vehicles seized Amount of money seized in real property Amount of money seized in personal property 117,004 10,496 538 115 119 128 903 6,833.6 pounds 2.5 ounces 13.3 ounces 89 pounds $81,804.94 8 $58,000.00 $47,000.00 $1,800.00
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
39
Although every county does not participate in GITEM on a continual basis, the State Gang Task Force has identified criminal street gangs in each of the 15 counties in Arizona. The figure below provides a map of Arizona with the number of gangs in the county identified by GITEM for year 2000.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
40
Phoenix Police Department
Within the Phoenix Police Department, the Gang Enforcement Unit of the Organized Crime Bureau is comprised of one lieutenant, six sergeants, thirty-six detectives, one criminal analyst, and a police assistant. The goal of the Gang Enforcement Unit is to provide the Phoenix Police Department with investigative, enforcement, and intelligence support for the purpose of combating street gang activity. The support provided by the Gang Enforcement Unit satisfies a two-prong department need, which is to protect the public by suppressing criminal activity, and to accurately identify and regulate members of street gangs that participate in criminal activity. The daytime investigation squad is responsible for the case management system of the unit. Currently, the daytime investigation squad has one detective that manages the Gang Repeat Offender Program, which targets and monitors dangerous and repeat offenders. This squad conducts a significant portion of the follow-up investigation for assigned cases, and works closely with both the City Prosecutor's Office and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in the preparation and filing of criminal charges. The daytime investigation squad also coordinates with other departments and agencies for networking and intelligence sharing. Finally, the daytime squad provides general gang recognition training to community block watch groups, school faculty members, personnel from other city departments, and other members of the community. Additionally, there is a squad that is a component of the FBI Violent Street Gang Task Force. This task force is comprised of personnel from several law enforcement agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels. The mission of the Violent Street Gang Task Force is to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal street gangs that are engaged in criminal activity. This squad is tasked with street enforcement and suppression of gang related criminal activity. The squad also gathers intelligence and conducts criminal investigations. At this time, most investigations involve gang-related threats, assaults, aggravated assaults, drive-by shootings, and criminal damage (graffiti). In addition to investigating individuals, the Gang Enforcement Unit also investigates entire gangs as criminal syndicates that participate in criminal activities to further the interests of the gang organization. This year, the Gang Enforcement Unit implemented a new gang prevention strategy referred to as the Parent Notification Program. After a gang detective contacts a juvenile for the first time, and the youth is either documented as a gang member or associate according to the Gang Member Identification Criteria, a letter is mailed to the parent or guardian of the juvenile. The letter explains the circumstances of the police contact and alerts the guardian of possible participation in gang activity. Since the inception of this program in May 2000, 73 parent notification letters have been mailed to parents or guardians of juveniles that have been contacted by police. This project provides for direct communication with individual parents by increasing awareness about at risk gang-related behaviors of their children.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
41
From January 2000 to July 2000, the Gang Enforcement Unit filed 1,174 criminal reports, completed 478 felony arrests, 458 misdemeanor arrests, 399 gang member arrests, and documented 876 gang members. The specialized unit also successfully targeted nine criminal street gangs for criminal syndicate investigations. This year, the most high profile enforcement for the Gang Enforcement Unit was the criminal syndicate investigation of the "New Mexican Mafia" (New Eme). As a result of the investigation, a total of 90 arrests were made; and resulted in 170 felony charges; the seizure of 1000 pounds of marijuana; 20 ounces of heroin; 19 vehicles; two houses; one business; and 40 weapons; several of which are believed to have been used in homicides.
Pima County Sheriff's Department
The Pima County Sheriff's Department developed a Gang Enforcement Unit in 1991. In 1999, due to attrition, the Gang Enforcement Unit was scaled back to include three deputies. These deputies now make up a portion of the Targeted Offender's Unit of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The mission of these deputies is to gather intelligence, monitor gang activity and enforce laws in the community. This team receives and reviews all gang related data for Pima County. With the help of patrol units, this team of deputies is directed toward gang related problems within a particular district where they can concentrate efforts, conduct interviews and gather information on a daily basis. This group of officers lends significant support and assistance to investigators handling street gang related crimes and incidences. Additionally, the deputies are also responsible for a large amount of education and training. This includes inter-departmental instruction for all agencies in South East Arizona, the Corrections Academy, as well as community outreach and awareness. The Pima County Sheriff's Department uses GMIC criteria as outlined in previous chapters of this report to identify and prosecute street gang members in their community. During the interview, the deputies indicated that they do not feel that Pima County has any new or significant emergence of gang problems, but did feel that gang members are becoming more difficult to identify. This is mostly attributed to youth imitating "the gang member sense of style." The officers further indicated that in their opinion, the most effective tool in combating street gangs for their community has been the heavy focus on community and interagency training and education. The Pima County Sheriff's office uses the State Information Database System (SIDS) through GITEM in conjunction with the FORCE database system to collect and store gang data. The FORCE system is unique to Pima County and is used in the sheriff's department to input, query, and analyze police related information within the department. Employed within the Pima County Sheriff's Office are two crime analysts, a sergeant and a lieutenant, who are responsible for collecting and analyzing gang related data. The gang data is handed to the team of deputies who then disseminate the information throughout agencies within the county and state, as well as to schools and other citizens.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
42
When asked about what could make the current criminal justice system stronger in terms of dealing with gangs, the officers indicated that there should be more emphasis on education and intelligence gathering. They stated that this would positively affect the present system, as agencies would become more proactive than reactive. The officers further indicated that they support Drug Abuse Resistance Education in schools (D.A.R.E) because of the heavy influence on gang resistance. According to a crime analyst assigned to this unit, one of the universal problems faced by agencies is identifying an incident as one that is gang related. A gang member may be involved in a crime, but the incident may not necessarily be gang motivated. This kind of situation makes reporting gang activity problematic. The crime analyst also indicated that communication between law enforcement and developing a uniform, precise reporting system for the state are imperative in being able to accurately analyze the true status of street gangs in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
43
PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND GANGS
The examination of gang membership among public schools represents a fundamental component to understanding the extent and prevalence of gang-related activity within Arizona. Recognizing the importance of understanding gang participation within public schools, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission administers a biennial survey to Arizona students to "measure both the attitudes and the actual prevalence and frequency of substance abuse by children and adults" as outlined in Arizona Revised Statute 41-2416. The Arizona Youth Survey includes questions related to the gang activity of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in Arizona schools. In 1999, the Arizona Youth Survey administered by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission asked students questions designed to solicit information related to personal acquaintance with gangs, gang membership (either personally and/or someone in the family) and the extent of gang activity within the neighborhood and school of the student. The Arizona Youth Survey questions students regarding the most frequent illegal activity conducted by gang members and the extent of gang activity related to the manufacturing, selling, and/or distribution of illegal drugs. In preparation for the 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona report, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Bureau of Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention, the Division of Behavioral Health Services, the Governor's Division of Drug Policy and the Arizona Department of Education to administer a survey that provides extensive data regarding substance abuse and gang activity among Arizona's youth population. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also consulted with the Arizona State Gang Task Force on questions included on the survey to ensure an accurate assessment of gang activity among Arizona youth. The survey is based on the Communities that Care (CTC) model that was developed by J. David Hawkins, Ph.D; Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D.; and a team of researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle. The focus of this survey is on health risk behaviors such as violence and alcohol, tobacco and other drug use that can result in injury and/or impede positive development among our youth. The survey also includes risk and protective factors, which are attitudes and opinions that research has shown to be highly correlated with these health risk behaviors. The Arizona Youth Survey will provide critical information for the assessment of juvenile gang behavior and activities in Arizona. Through the Arizona Youth Survey, Arizona now has validated needs assessment instrument designed to assess the risk and protective factors. This will provide school administrators, juvenile justice officials and community leaders with valuable information to assist in the formulation of prevention strategies.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
44
CONCLUSION
The Arizona criminal justice system will face several challenges related to gangs in the coming years. Increasing populations, particularly in urban communities, have been found to contribute significantly to the increase in gangs and criminal activity. Therefore, a major challenge for the Arizona criminal justice system will center on developing strategies to effectively respond to the rapidly increasing population to prevent an incr ease in the number of gangs and related crime within the state. Furthermore, as a result of the geographical location of Arizona, there has been an observed trend in which gang members from California are relocating to Arizona to escape enhanced sentencing practices. Arizona also has the geographical challenges associated with the monitoring of international borders. Similar to the issue of the rapid population increase in Arizona, the criminal justice system must also continue to develop tactical practices to address the predicted incoming gang population from California as well other states and the illegal economic profits obtained through drug trafficking and alien smuggling from across the border. During the past decade, statewide criminal justice agencies have made significant advancements toward establishing objective standards for the identification and monitoring of gang members and related criminal activity within the state. In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented legislation providing the statewide criteria for the identification of gang members (GMIC). At this time a majority of the criminal justice agencies (law enforcement, prosecution and probation) within the state report the collection of information and/or intelligence on gangs. They also reported using A.R.S. 13-105.8 (GMIC) to exclusively identify gang members. At present more than 90 percent of the agencies effectively use A.R.S. 13-105.8 to identify gang members. While the use of GMIC criteria by criminal justice agencies is apparent, agencies continue to express concern regarding the lack of coordination for the purpose of information sharing between agencies on a statewide basis. Criminal justice agencies throughout the state indicate challenges pertaining to coordination, information sharing, training, and resources dedicated to addressing gang problems in their community. Although participation has been on the rise, at present there are only 23 criminal justice agencies that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for inclusion in the statewide database. It is necessary for efforts to improve the coordination in sharing of gang related information continue by increased membership in a statewide database. The participation and dedication of resources for coordinating activities will contribute significantly in the fight against gang and drug activity within the state. It is critical that methods for the assessment of juvenile gang behavior and activities in the state also continue to improve. The implementation of a validated needs assessment instrument designed to assess the risk and protective factors of the youth in our communities is a positive step in this direction. Participation in the needs assessment project should be encouraged on a statewide basis to provide the best
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
45
possible assessment for prevention and intervention strategies for the youth in Arizona. It is apparent that no single strategy will solve the problem of street gangs and drug activity within Arizona but rather a concerted, coordinated effort among criminal justice agencies over time will help. Increased resources, improved assessment tools, prevention strategies and the coordination of information sharing among criminal justice agencies and other stakeholders represent potential options to successfully address criminal street gang activity within the state of Arizona. Although there are several projects within the state designed to address criminal street gang activity, increased resources should be directed toward the coordination of these efforts. Appendix C provides a listing of gang related web sites that were provided to the Statistical Analysis Center during the course of this project. Please note this report is available on line at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Web Site: www.acjc.state.az./Reports.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
46
References
Howell, J. C. (1998). Youth Gangs: An Overview (NCJ 167249). Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (1997). Arizona Street Gang Reference Book. Phoenix: Arizona Department of Public Safety. Morehouse, B. (2000). The Role of Criminal Intelligence in Law Enforcement. In M. Peterson & B. Morehouse & R. Wright (Eds.), Intelligence 2000: revising the basic elements (pp. 1-12). Sacramento: Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit and International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (1999). Highlights of the 1997 National Youth Gang Survey. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2001). The Growth of Youth Gang Problems in the United States: 1970-1998. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Sheldon, R. G., Tracy, S. K., & Brown, W. B. (1997). Youth Gangs in American Society. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
47
APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESPONDENTS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
56th Security Forces Squadron- Luke AFB Air Force Office of Special Investigations Division Apache County Sheriff's Office Arizona State University Arizona State University West ATF- Tucson Field Office Benson Police Department Bisbee Police Department Border Alliance Group (BAG) Border Patrol- Nogales Station Buckeye Police Department Bullhead City Police Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & FirearmsPhoenix Burlington Northern Santa Fe Police Casa Grande Police Department Cave Creek Marshals Office Cave Creek Marshals Office Chandler Police Department Chemehuevi Indian Tribe Chino Valley Police Department Clarkdale Police Department Clifton Police Department Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cocopah Police Department Colorado City Town Marshal's Office Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Coolidge Police Department Cottonwood Police Department Customs Service Douglas Police Department Eloy Police Department Federal Bureau of Investigations- Phoenix Division Federal Bureau of Investigations- Tucson Flagstaff Police Department Fort McDowell Tribal Police Department Fountain Hills Marshal's Office Gila County Sheriffs Office Gilbert Police Department GITEM Glendale Police Department Globe Police Department Greenlee County Sheriff Hayden Police Department Holbrook Police Department Hopi BIA Law Enforcement Immigration and Naturalization ServicePhoenix Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Kearny Police Department Kingman Police Department La Paz County Sheriff's Office Lake Havasu City Police Department Marana Police Department Mesa Police Department Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking Interdiction Mohave County Sheriff Navajo Department of Law Enforcement Naval Criminal Investigations Service Nogales Police Department Northern Arizona University Oro Valley Police Department Page Police Department Parker Police Department Pascua Yaqui Police Department Patagonia Marshals Office Payson Police Department Peoria Police Department Phoenix Police Department Pima County Sheriff Pima Police Department Pinal County Narcotics Task Force Pinal County Sheriff Department Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department Ports of Entry Prescott Police Department Prescott Valley Police Provost Marshall Quartzsite Marshal Safford Police Department Sahuarita Police Department San Carlos Police Department San Luis Police Department Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Scottsdale Police Department Security Office- Camp Navajo Sedona Police Department Sierra Vista Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
48
Snowflake-Taylor Police South Tucson Police Department Southeastern Drug and Violent Crime Task Force Southwest Border Alliance Narcotics Enforcement St. Johns Police Department Superior Police Department Surprise Police Department Tempe Police Department Thatcher Police Department Tolleson Police Department Tombstone Marshal's Office Tonto Apache Indian Tribe Truxton Canon Agency (Havasupai Reservation) Tucson Airport Authority Police Department Tucson Police Department U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Customs U.S. Marshals Office U.S. Secret Service- Phoenix
Union Pacific Railroad Police Union Pacific Railroad Police (Phoenix) United States Marshals Service University of Arizona US Army Criminal Investigations Command (Ft. Huachuca) US Border Patrol- Tucson Station US Border Patrol- Sonoita US Border Patrol- Wellton US Border Patrol- Willcox Station US Border Patrol US Customs- Nogales US Customs- Sells c/o Ajo US Customs Service- Douglas US Customs Service- Yuma US Department of Defense- Crim inal Investigation US Marshals Office- Flagstaff US Marshals Office- Prescott US Marshals Service- Tucson US Secret Service- Tucson Western Maricopa Gang/Narcotics Task Force White Mountain Apache Police Wickenburg Police Department Willcox Police Department Williams Police Department Yavapai-Apache Indian Nation Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Police Yavapai County Sheriff Youngtown Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA 49
PROSECUTION
AK-Chin Indian Community Prosecution Office Apache County Attorney Apache Junction Municipal Prosecutor Avondale Municipal Prosecutor Bisbee City Prosecutor Buckeye Municipal Prosecutor Bullhead City Municipal Prosecutor Camp Verde Municipal Prosecutor Carefree Municipal Prosecutor Casa Grande City Prosecutor Cave Creek Municipal Prosecutor Chandler City Prosecutor Chino Valley Municipal Prosecutor Clarkdale Municipal Prosecutor Clifton Municipal Prosecutor Cochise County Attorney Coconino County Attorney Colorado River Agency Coolidge City Prosecutor Cottonwood Municipal Prosecutor Douglas Municipal Prosecutor Eager City Prosecutor Eloy City Prosecutor Flagstaff Municipal Prosecutor Florence Municipal Prosecutor Fountain Hills Municipal Prosecutor Gila Bend Prosecutor Gila County Attorney Gilbert Town Prosecutor Glendale Municipal Prosecutor Goodyear City Prosecutor Graham County Attorney Greenlee County Attorney Guadalupe Municipal Prosecutor Hayden Municipal Prosecutor Holbrook City Prosecutor Hopi Agency Jerome Municipal Prosecutor Kearny Municipal Prosecutor Kingman Municipal Prosecutor La Paz County Attorney Lake Havasu City Municipal Prosecutor Litchfield Park Municipal Prosecutor Mammoth Municipal Prosecutor Marana Municipal Prosecutor Maricopa County Attorney Office Mesa City Prosecutor Miami City Prosecutor Mohave county Attorney Office Navajo County Attorney Office Nogales Municipal Prosecutor Oro Valley Municipal Prosecutor Page Municipal Prosecutor Paradise Valley Municipal Prosecutor Parker Municipal Prosecutor Pascua Yaqui Tribe Prosecutors Office Payson Municipal Prosecutor Peoria Municipal Prosecutor Phoenix City Prosecutor's Office Pima City Prosecutor Pima County Attorney Pinal County Attorney Office Pinetop-Lakeside Prescott Municipal Prosecutor Prescott Valley Prosecutor Quartzsite City Prosecutor Safford Municipal Prosecutor Sahuarita Municipal Prosecutor San Luis Municipal Prosecutor Santa Cruz County Attorney Scottsdale Municipal Prosecutor Sedona Municipal Prosecutor Show Low City Prosecutor Snowflake Municipal Prosecutor Somerton Municipal Prosecutor Springerville Municipal Prosecutor Surprise Municipal Prosecutor Taylor City Prosecutor Thatcher City Prosecutor Tombstone Municipal Prosecutor Tucson Municipal Prosecutor Wickenburg Municipal Prosecutor Willcox City Attorney Williams Municipal Prosecutor Winkelman Municipal Prosecutor Winslow City Prosecutor Yavapai County Attorney Office Youngtown Municipal Prosecutor Yuma County Attorney
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
50
PROBATION
Apace County Adult Probation Apache County Juvenile Court Services Cochise County Adult Probation Cochise County Juvenile Court Services Coconino Adult Probation Coconino Juvenile Probation Gila Probation Graham Probation Department Greenlee Probation La Paz Probation Maricopa Adult Probation Maricopa Juvenile Probation Department Mohave Probation Department Navajo Probation Pima Adult Probation Pima Juvenile Court Pinal Adult Probation Pinal Juvenile Court Services Santa Cruz Probation Yavapai Adult Probation Yavapai Juvenile Court Services Yuma Adult Probation Yuma Juvenile Court Services
CORRECTIONS
Arizona Department of Corrections Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
51
APPENDIX B: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPANTS
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Cottonwood Police Department Glendale Police Department Immigration and Naturalization Service Marana Police Department Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Mohave County Sheriff's Office Phoenix Police Department Somerton Police Department Tempe Police Department Yuma County Sheriff's Office Arizona Department of Corrections Chandler Police Department Fountain Hills Marshall's Office Goodyear Police Department Kingman Police Department Kingman Police Department Maricopa County Attorney's Office Mesa Police Department Oro Valley Police Department Scottsdale Police Department Surprise Police Department Yuma Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
52
APPENDIX C: GANG RELATED WEB SITES
*please send additions/modifications to dkaloostian@acjc.state.az.us
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission http://www.acjc.state.az.us An Urban Ethnography of Latino Street Gangs http://www.altenforst.de/faecher/englisch/immi/table.htm Hardcore: A Series of Articles by the Phoenix New Times http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/extra/hardcore/index.html Wannabe: A Documentary from Wisconsin Public Television http://www.itvs.org/wannabe/index.html Florida Department of Corrections Gang and Security Threat Group Awareness http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html International Association of Asian Crime Investigators http://www.iaaci.com/ Wood County Gang Task Force (Gang awareness, prevention and intervention) http://www.wcnet.org/~wcgtf/index.html American Gang Information Center http://members.tripod.com/~Carl815/ganginfo.html www.streetgangs.com (A comprehensive history of Blood/Crip Gangs in LA) http://www.streetgangs.com/ GangInformation.com (Prison Gang Information and more) http://ganginformation.com/ Mark's Parole and Crime Page (A variety of gang-related information and links) http://www.tbcnet.com/~salsberry/ Hate on Display: A visual database of extremist symbols, logos and tattoos (AntiDefamation League) http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/default.htm The Larry Hoover Story (Illinois Criminal Justice Authority) http://www.ipsn.org/hoover3.html Gangs Show Off Their Colors Online (article in SF Gate) http://www.sfgate.com
GANGS
GRAFFITI
Art Crimes: The Writing On The Wall http://www.graffiti.org/
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
53
Operation CleanSWEEP http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/sheriff/OID/Operation_CleanSweep.htm Graffiti-Related Links on the World Wide Web http://www.dougweb.com/grlinks.html Chicago Hoodz: In-Depth Look at Chicago Gang Graffiti http://www.dougweb.com/grlinks.html
GANG PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) http://www.atf.treas.gov/great/index.htm Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs) http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ National Youth Gang Center http://www.iir.com/nygc/ Boys and Girls Clubs of America http://www.bgca.org/ U.S. Department of Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/ Gangstyle.com http://www.gangstyle.com/ National Crime Prevention Council (10 Tools to Involve Parents in Gang Prevention) http://www.ncpc.org/10ad1.htm The Gang Crime Prevention Center http://www.gcpc.state.il.us/ Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/ ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education http://eric-web.tc.columbia.edu/ National Parent Information Network (NPIN) http://www.npin.org/ Parenting Resources for the 21st Century http://www.parentingresources.ncjrs.org/ National School Safety Center http://www.nssc1.org/ National Youth Employment Coalition http://www.nyec.org/ ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
54
Connect for Kids http://www.connectforkids.org/content1555/content_list.htm?attrib_id=335 Educators for Social Responsibility http://www.esrnational.org/ Project No Gangs (Orange County, California) http://www.duila.org/project.htm Stop the Violence...Face the Music Society http://www.stv.net/ United States Institute of Peace Conflict Resolution articles and links http://www.usip.org/ Street Gangs: The View From The Street (From the Do It Now Foundation) http://www.doitnow.org/pages/178.html National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Division of Violence Prevention (Center for Disease Control) http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/dvp.htm Peer Resources Consulting Services http://www.islandnet.com/~rcarr/peer.html The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign http://www1.theantidrug.com/ Mothers Against Gangs (MAG) http://www.winternet.com/~jannmart/nkcmag.html A Parent's Guide to Preventing Gangs (Memphis, TN Police Department) http://www.lunaweb.com/pargang.htm New Approaches Needed to Discourage Gangs (King County, Washington) http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/commentary/123097com.htm Teen Gangs (Connecticut Clearinghouse Fact Sheet) http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/fteengng.htm GRIPE for Kids
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT GANGS
Urban Legends Reference Page http://www.snopes2.com/
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/grants/grants.html
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
55
U.S. Department of Justice Community Support and Grants http://www.usdoj.gov/index.html U.S. Department of Education Funding Opportunities http://www.ed.gov/funding.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: GrantsNet http://www.hhs.gov/refers/progorg.html U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development http://www.hud.gov/commut.html Notices of Federal Funding Available http://ocd.usda.gov/nofa.htm
LAW ENFORCEMENT
www.lawenforcementjob.com http://www.lawenforcementjob.com/ www.policeone.com American Police Beat Magazine Online APBNews.com http://www.apbnews.com/ New York Department of Corrections http://www.docs.state.ny.us/ Corrections Online http://www.corrections.com/
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
56

Copyright to this resource is held by the creating agency and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the creating agency. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of United States and international copyright laws, and is subject to criminal prosecution.

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Statistical Analysis Center Publication
O u r mission is to sustain and enhance the coordination, cohesiveness, productivity and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System in Arizona
2000-2001 Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona
May
2 00 2
ARIZONA CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
Chairperson TERRY STEWART Department of Corrections Director JOSEPH ARPAIO Maricopa County Sheriff CARROL de BROEKERT Board of Executive Clemency Chairperson JIM BOLES City of Winslow Mayor DAVID DOBROTKA Glendale Police Department Chief
Vice Chairperson RALPH OGDEN Yuma County Sheriff DAVID K. BYERS Administrative Office of the Courts Director CLARENCE DUPNIK Pima County Sheriff
TONY ESTRADA Santa Cruz County Sheriff BARBARA LAWALL Pima County Attorney JANET NAPOLITANO Attorney General CHRISTOPHER SKELLY Judge, Retired
BILL FITZGERALD Yavapai County Adult Probation Officer J.T. McCANN Flagstaff Police Department Chief ROBERT CARTER OLSON Pinal County Attorney
DENNIS GARRETT Department of Public Safety Director RICHARD MIRANDA Tucson Police Department Chief RICHARD M. ROMLEY Maricopa County Attorney
MICHAEL D. BRANHAM Executive Director STEVE BALLANCE Statistical Analysis Center Director
JACKIE MINERO Research Analyst
DAMITA KALOOSTIAN Research Analyst
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................7 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 10 RESEARCH METHODS..................................................................................................10 RESEARCH SAMPLE......................................................................................................11 REPORT MODIFICATIONS..........................................................................................11 ARIZONA LEGISLATION............................................................................................. 12 HISTORY OF GANGS................................................................................................... 15 GANG TRENDS..............................................................................................................16 ARIZONA GANG ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................17 INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE................................................................................ 18 LAW ENFORCEMENT ................................................................................................... 19 PROSECUTION............................................................................................................. 25 PROBATION.................................................................................................................. 28 CORRECTIONS..............................................................................................................32 DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS......................................................... 34 FOCUS AGENCIES........................................................................................................ 37 Gang Intelligence and Gang Enforcement Mission............................................. 37 Phoenix Police Department..................................................................................41 Pima County Sheriffs Department........................................................................ 42 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND GANGS.............................................................. 44 CONCLUSION................................................................................................................45 REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 47 APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESPONDENTS................................................................... 48 APPENDIX B: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPANTS............................................................................................................ 52 APPENDIX C: GANG RELATED WEB SITES............................................................. 53
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
3
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission would like to thank law enforcement, prosecution, probation and correctional agencies for participating in this year's Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona Study. The Statistical Analysis Center received support for this report from numerous criminal justice agencies and staff throughout the state.
Special thanks to:
Correctional Officer II S. Garcia, Arizona Department of Corrections Todd Garrish, Arizona Department of Corrections Sergeant M Lamas, Arizona Department of Corrections Lieutenant Steve Brees, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Steve Meissner, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Debra Peterson, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections John Vivian, PhD., Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Don Wittman, Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Ed Feingold, Arizona Department of Public Safety Lieutenant James McGuffin, Arizona Department of Public Safety Charles Katz, PhD., Arizona State University West David Schaefer M.S., Arizona State University West Ronald Fountain, Maricopa County A ttorney's Office Lieutenant Jim Edmondson, Phoenix Police Department Sergeant Paul Farrero, Phoenix Police Department Brennan Long, Phoenix Police Department Detective Frank Fontes, Pima County Sheriffs Office Sergeant John Sanders, Pima County Sheriffs Office
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
5
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
6
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Statistical Analysis Center
PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 41-2416, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has administered a statewide survey to criminal justice agencies to provide information identifying the prevalence of criminal street gangs and the resources utilized by criminal justice agencies that respond to gangs within the state. Through the examination of a variety of factors related to criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, this report seeks to provide important information that can be utilized to support policy recommendations and gang prevention strategies in Arizona. An experienced panel of researchers and criminal justice leaders helped modify the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report which improved the quality of information contained in this study. This year, the report emphasized the coordination efforts of the criminal justice community and how they address gang activity within the state. Specifically, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report assesses current information sharing strategies and identifies current and/or emerging gang trends within the State. Within the framework of a one-year time period (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000), the measurement tool was structured to obtain agency information regarding: (1) technological information systems; (2) use of gang membership identification criteria; (3) gang task force participation; (4) the adequacy of current gang-related legislation; and (5) the resources needed to enhance coordination efforts dedicated to the prevention of criminal street gangs within Arizona. The surveys were distributed statewide to criminal justice agencies with a final deadline of July 2001. For this report, the Statistical Analysis Center complemented the statewide survey with site visits to selected criminal justice agencies that responded to the gang population in Arizona. This year, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report includes an overview of: (1) the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM); (2) the Phoenix Police Department; (3) the Pima County Sheriff's Office; (4) the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Adobe Mountain School; and (5) the Arizona Department of Corrections Security Threat Group Unit (SMU2). In previous years, the number of criminal street gangs and the extent of gang-related activity in Arizona has been measured by capturing information from four criminal justice perspectives: law enforcement, prosecution, probation and corrections. In an effort to extend the utility of this gang report, the structure of this assessment has been modified to capture more agency-level information by highlighting the qualitative survey
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
7
responses received from criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. The shift in focus is due to the lack of consistency in agency survey response from year-to- year. At this time it is difficult to obtain an accurate numerical assessment of gang trends in Arizona because of inconsistencies in survey respondents (agency type, size and geographical region) each year. As a result of inconsistencies in survey respondents, a focus on qualitative agency responses represents the most effective method available to capture information indicative of gangs and related criminal activity in Arizona. The Arizona criminal justice system will face several challenges in addressing the problem of gangs within the state in the coming year. Rising populations, particularly in urban communities, have been found in other jurisdictions to contribute significantly to the increase in gang activity. Therefore, one of the major challenges facing the Arizona criminal justice system will be how to cope with a rapidly increasing population and be able to prevent the increase of gangs and gang behavior within the state. Additionally, there has been an observed transition of gang members from California to Arizona due to stiffer sentencing practices with our bordering state. Finally, because Arizona is a border state with Mexico, there are the additional challenges of dealing and coping with drug trafficking problems. This poses an increased burden upon law enforcement within the state, given the observed movement of Arizona gangs toward increased drug involvement. During the past decade, Arizona criminal justice agencies have made significant strides in setting standards for the identification and reporting of gang behavior and activity within the state. In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented legislation detailing the criteria for what constitutes gang membership. The Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC) is a statewide standard designed to assist criminal justice agencies in determining gang membership. Criminal justice agencies throughout the state indicated that challenges pertaining to coordination, information sharing, training and resources dedicated to gang activity stand as barriers to addressing gang problems in their communities. Participation by criminal justice agencies in a statewide database for the purpose of gang information sharing has been on the rise. It is recommended that efforts for improving the coordination in addressing criminal gang activity through information sharing continue. The participation in such efforts, as well as the dedication of resources for coordinating activities can contribute significantly in the fight against gang and drug activity within the state. In addition, it is critical that adequate prevention strategies and methods for the assessment of juvenile gang and delinquent behavior in the state continue to improve. In 2001, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission collaborated with other agencies in the state to adopt a needs assessment instrument highlighted by the juvenile justice system as a national model. In preparation for a related publication titled the 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona report, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission has partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Bureau of Substance
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
8
Abuse Treatment and Prevention, the Division of Behavioral Health Services, the Governor's Division of Drug Policy and the Arizona Department of Education to administer a survey that provides extensive data regarding substance abuse and gang activity among Arizona's youth population. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also consulted the Arizona State Gang Task Force in reviewing gang-related questions for improving the assessment of gang activity among Arizona youth. The 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona survey is based on the "Communities That Care" (CTC) model that was developed by J. David Hawkins, Ph.D; Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D.; and a team of researchers at the University of Washington, Seattle. The needs assessment instrument validated and assessed risk and protective factors of Arizona youth. Participation in this survey should be encouraged on a statewide basis to provide the best possible assessment for prevention and intervention strategies for the youth in Arizona. Specifically, information derived from the assessment about the prevalence of gang behaviors and activities for youth will be used to develop future gang prevention and intervention strategies within Arizona. No single strategy will resolve the problem of street gangs, drugs and gang activity within Arizona. Instead, this issue necessitates a concerted cooperative effort among criminal justice agencies and other stakeholders over time. Increased resources, dedicated assessments, proactive prevention strategies and information sharing among criminal justice agencies will provide successful options for addressing criminal street gang activity within the state of Arizona. Increased resources will enhance existing anti-gang projects within the state.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
9
INTRODUCTION
Since 1990, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 41-2416, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has administered a statewide survey to criminal justice agencies to determine the number of criminal street gangs, the extent of street gang-related crime, and the degree to which criminal street gangs participate in drugrelated activities in Arizona. In response to growing concerns regarding criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, the purpose of this report is to provide information identifying the prevalence of criminal street gangs and the resources used by criminal justice agencies that respond to criminal gangs within the state. Through the examination of a variety of factors related to criminal street gangs and gang-related activity, this report seeks to provide resourceful information to criminal justice agencies, policy makers and the public. This information will help stakeholders to support policy recommendations and better understand gang prevention strategies in Arizona. In order to provide additional insight about gangs in Arizona, criminal justice agencies within the state have been included in this report to shed light on the strategic antigang and prevention efforts of various criminal justice organizations. This year, the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report includes information provided by: (1) the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM); (2) the Phoenix Police Department; (3) the Pima County Sheriff's Office; (4) the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, Adobe Mountain School; and (5) the Arizona Department of Corrections, Security Threat Group Unit (SMU2).
RESEARCH METHODS
For more than a decade, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission has conducted an annual survey of state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to determine and explore the extent of criminal street gangs and gang-related activity in Arizona. In 1992 and 1993, the gang assessment survey was expanded to include federal, tribal and airport law enforcement agencies as well as county prosecutors and probation departments. The 1998-1999 survey was further modified to include correctional agencies, and the report for that year included more comprehensive gang-related information reflective of the largest agency survey response since the origination of the Street Gangs in Arizona report. In preparation for the Prison and Street Gangs in Arizona report, the Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) revised the 1999 survey based upon the recommendations of an experienced panel of researchers and various members of the criminal justice community who work extensively with gangs. The survey instrument was revised to include more agency specific questions and to omit information not reflective of current or emerging gang trends. Over a one-year period (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000), the measurement tool was structured to obtain agency information regarding: (1) technological information systems; (2) use of gang membership identification criteria; (3) gang task force participation; (4) the adequacy of current gang-related
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
10
legislation; and (5) the resources needed to enhance coordinated prevention efforts in Arizona. There were 355 surveys distributed statewide to criminal justice agencies.
RESEARCH SAMPLE
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission administered surveys to approximately 355 criminal justice agencies in Arizona. Surveys were distributed to 202 law enforcement agencies (15 sheriffs' offices, 81 police departments, 22 tribal police departments, 75 federal agencies, five railroad police departments, and four university police); 119 prosecution agencies (84 municipal prosecutors, 15 county attorneys, 19 tribal prosecutors, and the Attorney General's office); 24 probation agencies (15 adult and nine juvenile); five parole offices; and five correctional agencies (one state, one juvenile, and three federal). Of the total number of surveys distributed to criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona (355), a total of 254 (72 percent) surveys were returned (Appendix A). (Note: It is important to mention that not all responding agencies provided answers to each
survey question. Therefore, when presenting the survey findings in this report, the number of respondents varies from question to question).
REPORT MODIFICATIONS
In previous years, the number of criminal street gangs and the extent of gang-related activity in Arizona has been measured by capturing information from four criminal justice perspectives: law enforcement, prosecution, probation and corrections. In an effort to extend the utility of this gang report, the structure of this assessment has been modified to capture more agency-level information by highlighting qualitative survey responses received from criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. The shift in focus is due to the lack of consistency in agency survey response from year to year. As a result of these inconsistencies, a focus on qualitative agency responses represents the most effective method available to capture information about gangs and gang-related criminal activity in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
11
ARIZONA LEGISLATION
In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented several street gang-related definitions and sentencing provisions for the purpose of enhancing gang reduction and prevention strategies statewide. Included in these definitions were seven criteria developed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) that constitute the formal Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC). The Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC) represents a statewide standard designed to assist criminal justice agencies with objectively determining gang membership. In addition to establishing gang-related definitions, the sentencing provisions enacted by the legislature increased the presumptive, minimum and maximum sentence for offenses by three years in addition to any other applicable enhanced sentences for identified street gang members. Section 13-105 of the Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) provides definitions for a "criminal street gang" and "criminal street gang member." According to A.R.S. 13105.7, " `Criminal street gang' means an ongoing formal or informal association of persons whose members or associates individually or collectively engage in the commission, attempted commission, facilitation or solicitation of any felony act and who has at least one individual who is a criminal street gang member." The definition of a criminal street gang member is provided through A.R.S. 13-105.8, and states that an individual must meet at least two of the seven criteria in order to be classified as a participant in a gang. Pursuant to A.R.S. 13-105.8, the criterion is: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) Self-proclamation Witness testimony or official statement Written or electronic correspondence Paraphernalia or photographs Tattoos Clothing or colors Any other indicia of street gang membership
Collectively, these seven criteria constitute formal Gang Member Identification Criteria (GMIC), and each criterion is specifically examined below.
Self-Proclamation: the self-admission of gang membership or association with a street gang. Self-proclamation can be documented in all records of contact using suspect, victim, and/or witness accounts by criminal justice agencies. Witness testimony or official statement: many include court testimony, depositions, or interviews with suspects, victims, witnesses, or confidential informants. Written or electronic correspondence: includes information making reference to any gang activity, incidents, names or nicknames. These
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
12
references may be found in letters, notes, tapes or documents, and can be noted in records of contact, intelligence information and incidents of criminal investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Paraphernalia or photographs: includes photographs or drawings depicting gang membership, association or involvement. Also included are rings, calling cards, weapons, or other symbols referring to the gang, whether in or out of the control or possession of the gang member. These objects aid in identification of individuals and groups by showing locations, documents or propaganda relating to the gang. Tattoos: used in identifying a specific gang moniker or symbol, regardless of gang type. The tattoos may be covered up, burned out or be old tattoos. Clothing and colors: include the type, color or manner in which clothing is worn. Other signs include rags, patches, belt buckles and/or jewelry. The type of gang may be a street, prison, motorcycle, or other gang, and the articles may include bandannas, hats, vests, specific colors and accessories. Any other indicia of street gang membership: this seventh indicator of street gang membership provides for the recognition of new or innovative ways the ever-changing gang cultures may devise for self-recognition or recognition by others.
Arizona Revised Statutes 13-604(T) and 13-2308 address sentencing provisions of identified gang members. A.R.S. 13-604(T) states, "A person convicted of committing any felony offense with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by a criminal street gang shall not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as authorized by A.R.S. 31233, subsection (a) or (b) until the sentence imposed by the court has been served, the person is eligible for release pursuant to 41-1604.7 or the sentence is commuted. In addition, the presumptive, minimum and maximum sentence for the offense shall be increased by three years. The increased sentence imposed pursuant to this subsection is in addition to any enhanced sentence that may be applicable. Finally, A.R.S. 13-2308 (F, G, and H) detail sentencing provisions: F. Assisting a criminal syndicate is a class 4 felony. If committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by the gang, assisting a criminal syndicate is a class 3 felony. G. A person who violates subsection A, paragraph 1,2,3 or 4 of this section for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with any criminal street
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
13
gang, with the intent to promote, further or assist any criminal conduct by the gang, is guilty of a class 2 felony. H. Use of a common name, common identifying sign or symbol shall be admissible and may be considered in proving the combination of persons or enterprises required by this section.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
14
HISTORY OF GANGS
No clear indicators exist to identify the emergence of the first youth gangs in the United States. The earliest records available reveal that gangs may have emerged as early as 1783, following the end of the American Revolution (Finestone, 1976; Sante, 1991; Spergel, 1995). The Industrial Revolution also contributed to the development of gangs in New England during the 1800s. During the industrial era, immigration and population shifts reached such high levels that gangs also became prevalent in Chicago (Finestone, 1976). From the earliest stages in American history, it ensues that during sharp population shifts gangs appear to have been most visible (Howell, 1998). There are many theories that address why an individual would become involved in a gang. One view of gang development theorizes that gangs develop due to lack of "social control." The core of social control theory posits that delinquent behavior occurs because it is not prevented in the first place. There are many versions of social control theory, the most prevalent view was written by sociologist Travis Hirschi. According to Hirschi, all humans are capable of committing crime; but how closely one is connected to social bonds such as parents, the surrounding community, work, home and longterm goals is what keeps most people from committing crime (Sheldon, Tracy, & Brown, 1997). The question addressed by social control theory is not why some individuals commit crime, but rather, why most persons do not. Street gangs in Arizona have been documented back to the 1940s, when neighborhoodoriented Hispanic gangs were involved in protecting their own "barrios." In the 1970s and 1980s, Arizona experienced the migration of black gangs from states like California into the urban areas. In the 1990s, Native American gangs became more pronounced and have been recognized by tribal officials as a "gang problem." Additionally, street gang members have migrated from New Mexico into eastern Arizona, while western Arizona has noticed increased gang membership from California and Nevada. The Black Gangster Disciple Nation (Chicago) has also made its way into several Arizona communities (GITEM, 1997).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
15
GANG TRENDS
According to the National Youth Survey administered by the National Youth Gang Center, the prevalence of gangs in the United States has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, with many communities now facing a gang population that crosses all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic boundaries. National surveys of gang activity now estimate that there are approximately 800,000 gang members in the United States, and about 30,000 gangs (OJJDP, 1999). As such, communities once thought to be impervious to gangs and gang violence have experienced the increased presence and growth of gang activity. In a recent publication highlighting the trends of youth gang emergence by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the number of states identifying gang problems grew considerably between the 1970s and 1990s. In the 1970s, 19 states reported gang problems, but by the late 1990s all 50 states and the District of Columbia confirmed gang activity. The states that reported the largest number of cities with gang problems in 1998 were California (363), Illinois (261), Texas (156), Florida (125), and Ohio (86). This illustrates a dramatic increase when compared to what was reported in the 1970s when only California and Illinois reported gang problems (OJJDP, 2001). (These statistics refer only to youth gangs and do not include prison gangs and
motorcycle gangs).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
16
ARIZONA GANG ASSESSMENT
The information presented within this section of the report was obtained from the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) under the direction of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and is designed to provide an overview of current gang trends in Arizona. The extent and level of gang activity varies among different areas. As such, it is important to note that the Arizona Gang Assessment is designed to provide an overview from a state perspective, and may not be reflective of specific jurisdictions at the local level. As of May, 1, 2002, using federal guidelines for defining gangs (three or more individuals), the current number of gangs listed in the database is approximately 514. There are a total of 998 gangs represented in the database which includes gangs having less than three members. Additionally, there are 15,779 gang members listed in the state system who meet at least two of the seven criteria as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (GMIC guidelines). There are a total of 29,883 gang "associates" in the state system. This number represents individuals that have been entered into the database, but meet only one of the seven GMIC criteria. At this time in Arizona, the largest criminal street gang is known as "Hollywood", with a documented membership of approximately 400 individuals. The criminal street gang with the largest number is "Wetback Power", with 23 sets (a set is a subgroup of a gang) and more than 900 members statewide. The dominant racial composition of Arizona gangs is either Hispanic or hybrid, but experts note that many gangs are becoming hybrid due to an emerging trend where the focus has shifted from traditional rival/associate mentalities to committing crimes for economic benefit. Criminal street gangs in Arizona are often extremely mobile, with members frequently traveling throughout the state to establish sets in different cities and towns to carry out criminal activities. This fact is evidenced by a number of gangs such as the "Maryvale Gangster Crips," which originated in urban areas of Arizona, but have since expanded to several different counties throughout the state. For example, the mobility of criminal street gangs has increased through their involvement in the transportation of illegal aliens, drug trafficking, and auto thefts for the purpose of transporting narcotics within the state. The types of crimes committed by criminal street gangs in Arizona include, but are not limited to, drive-by shootings, homicides, aggravated assaults, narcotics activity, burglary, trespassing, and criminal damage. The weapons used by criminal street gangs range from baseball bats to assault rifles. Gang experts also say that knives are popular among gang members due to their availability and ease of concealment, and lack of regulations. Arizona gang experts note that the current weapon of choice is the semi-automatic handgun. In Arizona, as the organizational structure of criminal street gang's increases, their use of weapons and availability to gangs also increases.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
17
It is predicted that the number of gangs and gang-related criminal activity will increase in Arizona in keeping pace with our current population growth. This trend is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. This prediction is based upon state trends that have been documented by the Department of Public Safety (GITEM) over the past few years. On a national level, the population growth of Arizona is second only to Nevada. The "three strikes" rule in California, which targets repeat offenders, has resulted in many gang members relocating to Arizona to avoid being sentenced under this law. Because California represents a state with an abundance of gang members and related criminal activity, even a small number of gang members relocating to Arizona will impact gang numbers and activity within the state. Also, many gang members from other states or locales are relocating to Arizona because of the potential economic gains associated with criminal activity. Currently, Arizona is located on one of the most frequently used narcotics-trafficking routes in the United States, and is a major trans-shipment point for international drug and alien smuggling trades. Both the geographical location and current criminal activity trends make the state an ideal target for illegal economic profits. As a result of the predicted increase in both the number of gangs (members) and related criminal activity, it is important that criminal justice agencies throughout the state continue to receive the necessary resources to effectively respond to the issue of gangs.
INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE
A section of the gang assessment survey distributed to law enforcement, prosecution, and probation agencies was designed to solicit information related to the collection, receipt and dissemination of information and/or intelligence. Before presenting the findings specific to information and intelligence, it is important to clarify the difference between the two concepts. Information is the raw data collected by criminal justice agencies, which is maintained either manually or by computer. Understanding the raw data collected by agencies is critical to the effective and successful utilization of this information. A fundamental component to understanding raw data (information) is intelligence, which is defined as the "process involving the collection, evaluation, collation, analysis, dissemination and re-evaluation of information on suspected criminals and/or organizations" (Harris, 1976). The process for the production of criminal intelligence is cyclical and each step is critical to the end goal. While each step contributes to the production of timely and accurate criminal intelligence reports, the fourth step represents the separation of intelligence from information. Analysis is conducted through "compiling, summarizing, comparing, and organizing information into meaningful relationships regarding the criminal and criminal organizations. In sum, analysis is the portion of the intelligence process that transforms the raw data into a product that is useful" (LEIU & IALEIA, 2000, p. 8). The
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
18
following diagram illustrates the cyclical process of transforming information into intelligence: DIAGRAM I: INFORMATION & INTELLIGENCE PROCESS
STEP 1
PLANNING & DIRECTION
STEP 5 DISSEMINATE
STEP 2 COLLECTION
LAW ENFORCEMENT DECISION/ACTION
STEP 4 ANALYSIS & PRODUCTION NN
STEP 3
PROCESSING & COLLATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Within the state of Arizona, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the central repository for all gang statistics collected by county and municipal law enforcement agencies. However, at this time not all gang-related data is reported to DPS as participation is voluntary. Therefore, in order to obtain an accurate assessment of criminal street gangs and gang related activity, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) administered a gang assessment survey to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. A total of 140 law enforcement agencies responded to the street gang survey. The 2000 gang survey includes law enforcement responses from: 43 federal agencies, five state agencies, 13 county agencies, 60 municipal agencies, 10 tribal agencies, and nine miscellaneous agencies.
Information Systems
Law enforcement agencies were asked to provide responses to questions regarding the information and/or intelligence collection system of their agency. Nineteen of the 70 (27 percent) respondents to this question indicated that their agency only collects gangrelated information; one agency stated that their agency collects intelligence exclusively; and the remaining 50 responded that their agency collects both information and intelligence. The following table summarizes the information and/or intelligence collection system utilized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
19
Table I: INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION INFORMATION INTELLIGENCE BOTH NOT APPLICABLE TOTAL Number 19 1 50 70 140 Percentage 27 1 36 50 100
Most law enforcement agencies reported using a combination of both manual and computerized systems to maintain information and/or intelligence on street gangs in Arizona. Twenty-six of the 71 agencies that provided responses to this question reported the use of a manual system; 11 indicated the use of a computerized system; and 34 law enforcement agencies use both manual and computerized systems. The 2000 gang assessment survey also included questions related to the dissemination of information to other criminal justice agencies. Of the 76 responding law enforcement agencies, 64 reported that their agency disseminates gang-related information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. In contrast, 12 agencies indicated that they do not disseminate information to other criminal justice agencies. The table below summarizes the survey responses related to the dissemination of information to other criminal justice agencies. Table II: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 64 12 76 Percentage 84 16 100
YES NO TOTAL
In addition to disseminating information to criminal justice agencies, 72 law enforcement agencies also indicated that they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies, and at this time four agencies do not receive such information from other criminal justice agencies. In an effort to obtain additional data, 52 of 77 responding law enforcement agencies added that their agency receives gang information from sources outside the criminal justice system, while 25 agencies do not receive information from outside sources.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
20
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Establishing a standard for the identification and documentation of gang members represents a fundamental component of gang prevention strategies. Law enforcement agencies were asked to provide information reflective of the gang identification standards utilized by their agency. Specifically, the survey was designed to determine whether the gang definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105 (GMIC) or other identification criteria was used by law enforcement agencies. Fifty-two respondents indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105; seventeen stated they use A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria; and four stated they used other criteria exclusively. Examples of other criteria used include tribal ordinances and the Federal RICO Statute, Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1961. Other criteria used by agencies in conjunction with A.R.S. 13105 include utilizing outside resources from other departments and task forces such as GITEM or GMIC cards. Table VI: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA Number 52 17 4 73 Percentage 71 23 6 100
A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL
Gang Task Force Participation
Seventy-five law enforcement agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional gang task force. Of those that responded, 40 stated they participate in such a task force while 35 said they do not. The most commonly cited task force was GITEM. Table VII: TASK FORCE PARTICPATION YES NO TOTAL 21 Number 40 35 75 Percentage 53 47 100
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Respondents indicated that the main purpose of task force participation is for information/intelligence gathering and operations/enforcement. Law enforcement agencies were also asked whether they had a specialized street gang unit. Fifty-eight of 74 agencies responded that they did not; the remaining 16 agencies stated that they did have a specialized street gang unit within their agency. Table VIII: SPECIALIZED GANG UNIT YES NO TOTAL Number 58 16 74 Percentage 78 22 100
Street Gang Activity
In addition to obtaining agency-level information, the 2000 gang assessment survey was designed to solicit information relating to the types of criminal activity conducted by gangs in Arizona. Law enforcement agencies were asked to identify the primary criminal activities engaged in by gangs within their particular jurisdiction. Although respondents varied by geographical region, the types of crimes identified by law enforcement agencies can be classified into five categories: assault, narcotics, burglary, theft, and criminal damage. The following diagram illustrates the percentage of reported criminal activity conducted by gangs in Arizona. Diagram II: Criminal Activity of Gangs
10% 6% 13%
31%
40%
Assault
Narcotics
Burglary
Theft
Criminal Damage
Diagram II above illustrates that crimes involving narcotics/drugs comprises the largest reported criminal activity of gangs by law enforcement in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
22
Diagram III below demonstrates the primary drugs trafficked by criminal street gangs in Arizona as reported by law enforcement agencies. Marijuana (46 percent) and crack cocaine (29 percent) represent the two most commonly trafficked drugs by criminal street gangs in Arizona followed by amphetamines/methamphetamines (15 percent) and cocaine (8 percent). The category "other" (one percent) represents the least commonly trafficked drug(s) by Arizona criminal street gangs and includes heroin, PCP, LSD and other Schedule I drugs. Diagram III: Primary Drugs Trafficked by Criminal Street Gangs
15% 8% 47%
1%
29%
Methamphetamines
Cocaine
Crack
Other
Marijuana
When asked in what ways Arizona laws could more effectively address the problem of criminal street gang activity, some respondents suggested the need for enforcement of existing gang legislation. Recommendations from remaining respondents include community and youth education, increased money and/or legislation for additional gang units, as well as a need for a standardized database at both the state and national level.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
23
Law enforcement agencies were also asked to report what they considered to be the five priority issues, aside from increased funding, critical to effectively dealing with street gangs. The most commonly cited answers, in order of occurrence, were: a focus on intelligence, coordination, standardization, and enforcement (27%); community safety, education, and involvement (19%); aggressive sentencing and enforcement (15%); increased personnel/manpower (11%); more officer training/education (11%), and other (18%). DIAGRAM IV: PRIORITY ISSUES
18% 11%
26%
11%
15%
19%
Coordination Community Education Aggressive Sentencing/Enforcement Increased Personnel Officer Training Other
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
24
PROSECUTION
Since 1992, state and county level prosecution agencies have been included in the street gang report. In 1999, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission expanded the list of surveyed prosecution agencies to include city prosecutors for the purpose of determining if misdemeanor crimes such as criminal damage/graffiti are being prosecuted at the local or county levels. By expanding the prosecution portion of this survey, it was found that most municipal agencies do not prosecute gang members because gang-related cases are regularly transferred to county prosecutors as mandated by state statute. A total of 90 prosecution agencies responded to the 2000 gang assessment survey. Responses were received from all 15 county attorneys, 71 municipal agencies, and four tribal prosecution agencies. Similar to law enforcement, the 2000 gang assessment survey asked prosecution agencies to provide information related to information systems, gang membership identification criteria, task force participation, and gangrelated prosecution data. This section of the report highlights responses from state, county and city prosecution agencies.
Information Systems
Prosecution agencies were asked to provide responses to questions about their information and/or intelligence collection system. Ten of the 12 reporting agencies indicated that they only collect gang-related information; two stated their agencies collected both information and intelligence. Table I: INFORMATION/INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION INFORMATION INTELLIGENCE BOTH NOT APPLICABLE TOTAL Number 10 0 2 78 90 Percentage 11 0 2 87 100
In addition, three of seven responding prosecution agencies stated they utilize a manual information and/or intelligence collection system; the remaining four reported they use a combination of manual and computerized data collection methods.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
25
Table II: MANUAL OR COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION MANUAL COMPUTERIZED BOTH TOTAL Number 52 17 4 73 Percentage 71 23 6 100
Eight of 17 responding, prosecution agencies reported that they disseminate gangrelated information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. Nine indicated that they do not disseminate information. Table III: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number Percentage YES 8 47 NO 9 53 TOTAL 17 100
Fourteen also stated that they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies, while four responded that they do not receive such information. Seven of 18 prosecution agencies also added that they receive gang information from sources outside of the criminal justice system.
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Prosecution agencies were asked how they identify gang membership. The question specifically addressed whether they used the definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105, A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria, or other criteria exclusively. Twelve respondents indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105, while four use the statute plus other criteria. Other criteria cited include relevant information received from law enforcement personnel. It is important to note that Gang Membership Identification Criteria is primarily an activity conducted by Law Enforcement.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
26
Table IV: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL Number 12 4 0 16 Percentage 75 25 0 100
Gang Task Force Participation
Eighteen prosecution agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional task force. Of those that responded, 11 stated they participate in a task force, while seven said they do not. The most commonly cited task force was GITEM. Table V:
TASK FORCE PARTICPATION
YES NO TOTAL Number 11 7 18 Percentage 61 39 100
Street Gang Activity
According to respondents, the top priority issues for prosecution agencies, aside from increased funding, that were viewed as critical to addressing the problem of street gangs were: an increased focus on intelligence coordination, standardization, and enforcement; more aggressive sentencing and enforcement; community education and involvement; and additional officer training. Prosecution agencies were asked to express any additional concerns, questions, or comments they may have on the subject of street gangs in Arizona. Respondents to this question indicated a need for additional resources in addressing the problem of street gangs in their jurisdiction. There was also concern expressed regarding gang problems occurring within the reservations.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
27
PROBATION
A total of 23 probation departments in Arizona responded to the 2000 gang assessment survey. Information was received from all 15 counties throughout the state. Participating agencies included nine adult probation departments, seven juvenile probation departments and six county probation departments (Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, and Santa Cruz) that supervise both adult and juvenile offenders. The 2000 gang assessment survey of probation agencies asked them to report on information pertaining to information systems, gang membership identification criteria, task force participation, and supervision data.
Information Systems
Seven of the 14 reporting agencies indicated that their collection system is manual; four reported utilizing a computerized system; and the remaining three responded that they use both manual and computerized collection systems. Table I: MANUAL OR COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION MANUAL COMPUTERIZED BOTH TOTAL Number 7 4 3 14 Percentage 50 29 21 100
Participating agencies were asked whether they disseminate gang-related information and/or intelligence to other criminal justice agencies. Fourteen agencies responded to this question. Thirteen indicated that they disseminate gang-related information to other agencies, while one respondent stated that they do not. Table II: DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 13 1 14 28 Percentage 93 7 100
YES NO TOTAL
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Probation departments were also asked whether they receive gang-related information and/or intelligence from other criminal justice agencies. Thirteen of the 14 respondents indicated that they receive information from other agencies, while one agency said they do not. Table III: RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES Number 13 1 14 Percentage 93 7 100
YES NO TOTAL
Additionally, all 14 respondents stated that their agency receives information and/or intelligence from sources outside of the criminal justice system.
Gang Membership Identification Criteria
Fourteen probation departments gave feedback on the methods used to identify gang membership. The question specifically addressed whether they identify gang membership through the definition outlined in A.R.S. 13-105, A.R.S. 13-105 plus other criteria, or other criteria alone. Nine of the responding probation agencies indicated that they rely exclusively upon A.R.S. 13-105, four use the statute plus other criteria, and one uses other criteria exclusively. Table IV: USE A.R.S. 13-105 OR OTHER CRITERIA Number A.R.S. 13-105 A.R.S. 13-105/Other Criteria Other Criteria Exclusively TOTAL
9 4 1 14
Percentage
64 29 7 100
Probation departments have implemented different strategies to combat gang problems in their jurisdictions. Specialized caseloads, special conditions for individuals who claim
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
29
gang membership and probation department participation in local gang task forces are common practices for dealing with gang members on probation. In 2000, only one of 13 respondents indicated that their agency maintains specialized caseloads for street gang members. Eleven of 14 respondents reported participating in a gang task force. Four departments reported maintaining special conditions of probation for street gang members. Some of the special conditions imposed upon gang members include disallowing any association with other gang members. They are also forbidden to wear any "colors" or gang-related clothing. Probation departments were asked whether they have a graffiti abatement program. Twelve of the 13 probation departments that answered this question stated they do; one agency indicated they do not. Eight of 13, or 57 percent of responding probation departments reported that there is consistency in identification and reporting of gang members. Five agencies do not believe there is consistency in identification and reporting.
Task Force Participation
Fourteen probation agencies responded to a question concerning their agency's participation in a local or regional task force. Of those that responded, 11 stated they participate in such a task force while three said they do not. The only task force cited more than once as the task force the agency participated in was GITEM. Table V
TASK FORCE PARTICPATION
YES NO TOTAL Number 11 3 14 Percentage 79 21 100
Street Gang Activity
Agencies were asked whether they felt the street gang problem in their jurisdiction is growing, decreasing, or staying the same. Of the 11 respondents, two reported they believe the problem is currently under control; four stated the problem is growing but controllable utilizing current resources; three said it is growing and additional resources are needed; one said the street gang problem is getting out of control; and one said the problem is actually diminishing. Agencies were also asked to give their opinion about whether or not Arizona laws sufficiently address the criminal activity of street gangs. The 12 probation departments that responded to this question felt that current laws are sufficient.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
30
According to respondents, the top priority issues for probation agencies, aside from increased funding, considered critical to addressing the problem of street gangs were: a focus on intelligence, coordination, standardization, and enforcement; increased personnel/manpower; aggressive sentencing and enforcement; more officer training/education; and community safety, education, and involvement. Additional comments submitted by agencies include the concern that as prison population increases, the number of gang-related criminal activities increase as well. Adult probation respondents also commented that most gang-related activity occurs within the juvenile population. Gila County Probation indicated that their agency has been very active during the last six years, and that during this time a decline in gang-related activity has occurred locally.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
31
CORRECTIONS
Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) The Arizona Department of Corrections is a state-level agency created "[t]o serve and protect the people of Arizona by imprisoning those offenders legally committed to the Department and by providing community based supervision for those conditionally released." Upon incarceration with the Arizona Department of Corrections, inmates are identified for tracking purposes in order to determine street gang membership, assess whether the inmates will become threats to institutional security, or if they are likely to coalesce in a security threat group, or prison gang. Gang intelligence information is collected from within the institution as well as from other criminal justice agencies or outside sources. In exchange, the ADC shares their information with other criminal justice entities. The ADC also has a working relationship with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the operation and enforcement of security threat groups/street gangs. There are currently eight certified security threat groups within the Arizona Department of Corrections. They are: Aryan Brotherhood Surenos Border Brothers Grandel Old Mexican Mafia Mau Mau New Mexican Mafia Warrior Society
There are two additional groups being monitored by the Department of Corrections: La Raza and African American Council. In 2001, the Arizona Department of Corrections used A.R.S. 13-105 and Corrections Department Order 806 to identify 112 gang members; and another 649 were suspected as security threat group/street gang members for a total of 761 documented members. ADC tracks every inmate with gang-related association, including: (1) inmates who have passed the Department's internally-developed qualitative review process designed to provide clear documentation confirming membership in a specific gang; (2) inmates who have displayed some gang-related behavior or other indicators, but have not yet passed the Department's validation criteria; and (3) inmates who have renounced gang membership, but are still tracked for gang association. A specialized unit consisting of two supervisors and 10 special investigators worked in DOC's Security Threat Group Unit in 2000.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
32
Recorded Security Threat Group/Street Gang Members
1998
Aryan Brotherhood Border Brothers Grandel Mau-Mau New Mexican Mafia Old Mexican Mafia Surenos TOTAL 239 -205 167 208 53 -842
1999
238 -228 184 270 60 -980
2000
346 507 266 158 293 60 302 1,932
According to the Arizona Department of Corrections, current Arizona criminal statutes adequately address the security threat group/street gang problem. However, the agency believes that the STG/street gang problem is growing and could be better controlled given additional resources. To this end, priorities for the ADC include staff/public safety awareness, inmate safety, institutional security, reduction of security threat group influence and reduction of STG related crimes. Adult correctional facilities label prison gangs as `security threat groups' because in a secured setting, for any extended length of time, gangs can pose a threat to the security of an institution. Nationally, juvenile correctional facilities report that organized gang activity within the prison system is becoming more sophisticated than activity on the outside. The Arizona Department of Corrections does experience `organized' activity such as drug, extortion, assault and homicide activities among inmate gang members and other gang members (either inside or outside the facility). Community supervision at the state level does not include a specialized caseload for released security threat group/street gang members, but there are special conditions of release. For example, identified STG/street gang members may not associate with any other known STG/street gang member while under community supervision.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
33
DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS
Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) is the state agency responsible for juveniles adjudicated delinquent and committed to its jurisdiction by the county juvenile courts. The agency mission statement is to enhance protection by changing delinquent thinking and behaviors of juvenile offenders committed to the department. ADJC is accountable to the citizens of Arizona for the promotion of public safety through the management of the state's secure juvenile facilities and the development and provision of a continuum to juvenile offenders including rehabilitation, treatment and education. ADJC was established in 1990 as a separate, cabinet-level agency and now operates more than 900 beds at five facilities. ADJC secure facilities include: The Adobe Mountain School, located north of Phoenix; The Encanto Mental Health facility for boys, located on the grounds of Adobe Mountain; The Black Canyon facility for girls, located north of Phoenix; The Catalina Mountain facility, located north of Tucson; and The Southwest Regional Juvenile Corrections Complex, located south of the Town of Buckeye.
The table below illustrates the Average Institutional Count and Capacity for each of the Juvenile facilities.
Year Adobe Mountain Average Capacity 406 538 464 471 407 408 408 408 420 470 Catalina Mountain Average Capacity 128 151 150 146 142 124 124 124 146 416 Black Canyon Average Capacity 191 213 174 155 111 192 192 192 168 118 Southwest Regional Average Capacity 0 0 92 135 232 0 0 200 300 400 Encanto Average 26 29 30 0 31 Capacity 34 34 34 34 34
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Average Institutional Count is the average population for the Fiscal Year. The Capacity is the budgeted funded average bed count for the Fiscal Year.
The secure facilities within ADJC offer specialized programs for sexual offenders, violent offenders and substance abuse. Each juvenile is evaluated within 30 days of entering the system to determine the best way to address his or her delinquency. During this 10day evaluation process, individuals are identified according to A.R.S 13-105 for gang membership; and if gang affiliation is determined, photographs are taken of any tattoos or identifying marks associated with the gang. Once street gang membership
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
34
information is compiled, it is entered into a computerized system that tracks any future activity the individual is involved in during their stay at ADJC. Each facility collects information and intelligence on street gang members and/or security threat groups internally and externally. The information and intelligence on street gang members compiled by ADJC is shared with other criminal justice agencies. In addition, the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections participates in the Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) for information and intelligence gathering purposes. The ADJC often works with other criminal justice agencies with respect to gang intelligence and enforcement. Specific programs within the secure facilities are designed to identify the root causes of juvenile crime. For instance, juveniles attend daily counseling and life-skills classes that are designed to develop better decision-making skills, instill a sense of responsibility and consequences for individual actions, and change behaviors that contribute to criminal activity. Additionally, youth in secure facilities participate in work programs designed to build basic job skills and proficiency in a given area. Academic classes are mandatory for youth who have not completed high school. Juveniles enrolled in ADJC programs are assisted to develop the academic skills they need for the career goals the youth identifies. The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections tracks every reported incident occurring within the facilities initiating an Incident Report. Included in an Incident Report are the date, time, unit(s), juvenile name(s), juvenile number(s), gang affiliation(s) and a description of the incident. All Incident Reports are recorded, and full reports of gang activity are analyzed on a monthly and annual basis.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
35
The following table outlines all reported gang activity for 2000 in the Adobe Mountain Facility.
September
November
December
February 334 33 226 88 22 00
440 Number of incidents Staff assaults Youth/youth assaults Gang related verbal conflicts Destruction state property/ graffiti Promoting gang affiliation w/ clothing Gang signs Tattoos Gang paraphernalia (drawing/writing) Use of force Other Total 66 227 44 00 00
00 00 11 88 11 447
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
January
October
August
331 33 221 55 22 00
March 44 11 00 112 00 448
Total
223 33 112 44 00 00
April
June 113 00 24 22 00 11
112 30 26 00 22 30
May
116 00 26 11 22 00
July
110 22 11 00 11 22
99 11 24 33 00 00
111 00 00 77 22 00
88 00 33 55 00 00
112 11 55 11 22 00
2219 119 1115 441 113 13
00 11 00 110 00 554
11 33 22 44 00 229
33 30 22 11 44 118
22 23 11 11 33 117
00 33 22 44 22 220
11 00 55 11 66 229
22 00 00 33 22 115
11 00 11 00 00 111
22 00 22 33 00 115
10 11 33 00 22 115
116 112 119 445 220 3314
36
FOCUS AGENCIES
Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission
The Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) under the direction of Arizona Department of Public Safety was created by the Arizona State Legislature in 1994 with House Bill 2003 to assist criminal justice agencies statewide in formulating and implementing criminal gang enforcement and investigative strategies through the State Gang Task force. Originally, GITEM consisted of three squads in Maricopa and Pima counties, but eventually expanded to include one squad in Yuma, Cochise, Coconino and Apache/Navajo counties. The final and most recent expansion of GITEM included the addition of squads in both Mohave and Pinal counties. At present, eight of 15 counties have active GITEM squads in their jurisdiction. The goal of GITEM is to reduce gang-related criminal activity in Arizona, and to increase awareness and proficiency in responding to criminal street gangs throughout the state. To achieve this mission, GITEM identifies criminal street gangs and/or members in various communities, evaluates their activities and develops strategies to eradicate the gang from the community. Specific activities and operations of GITEM include: Targeting known violent gang members for investigations Conducting covert investigations and operations of known gang offenders Providing gang training, education and intelligence to other agencies Participating in community graffiti abatement programs Publishing bulletins Assessing the threats of gang communities Assisting other agencies with the eradication criminal street gangs Conducting event specific enforcement activities
The task force unites law enforcement and prosecution agencies on the federal, tribal, state, county and municipal levels. The street gang problem is confronted utilizing a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to gang conditions and consists of welltrained gang investigators. At this time, approximately 40 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies provide officers to the State Gang Task Force through GITEM. The following agencies either reported their participation in GITEM or were reported by the Department of Public Safety to have participated in the task force: Apache County Sheriff's Office Apache Junction Police Department Avondale Police Department Benson Police Department Bullhead City Police Department Casa Grande Police Department 37 Chandler Police Department Cochise County Sheriff's Office Coconino County Sheriff's Office Coolidge Police Department Douglas Police Department El Mirage Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
Eloy Police Department Flagstaff Police Dep artment Glendale Police Department Holbrook Police Department INS--Phoenix Kingman Police Department Marana Police Department Mohave County Sheriff's Office Navajo County Sheriff's Office Northern Arizona University Police Oro Valley Police Department Pascua Yaqui Tribal Police Phoenix Police Department Pinal County Sheriff's Office
Pima Community College Pima County Attorney's Office Pinetop-Lakeside Police San Luis Police Department Scottsdale Police Department Sierra Vista Police Department Show Low Police Department Surprise Police Department Tempe Police Department Tolleson Police Department Willcox Police Department Winslow Police Department Yuma County Sheriff's Office Yuma Police Department
In October 1999, the database currently used by GITEM was implemented after gang data was transferred from the mainframe computer of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The database contains information on thousands of gang members in Arizona, and provides agencies with access to photographs as well as information pertaining to a suspect's height, eye color, tattoos, and scars. The database also provides information on associates and suspected gang affiliations. As of June 2000, more than 15,000 suspects were contained in the database. It is important to note that the number of individuals included in the database represent instances where police contact has occurred. Of the estimated 15,000 suspects within the database, more than 12,000 meet at least two of the Gang Member Identification Criteria as identified in A.R.S 13-105.8. The additional 2,000 are classified as "associates," and meet only one of the seven Gang Member Identification Criteria. It is important to note that these numbers do not include the hundreds of names used as aliases. The database allows agencies to efficiently and accurately assess the organization of a criminal street gang. The state gang database also allows agencies to "weed-out" individuals that are loosely affiliated with various criminal street gangs, and to identify key gang members that are involved in criminal activity. In addition, the database also provides enhanced safety measures for law enforcement officers by identifying potentially dangerous individuals. In an effort to further coordinate strategies and information sharing, GITEM has developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which created a joint agency operation and outlines the process for sharing data contained in the state gang database. The Memorandum of Understanding further delineates roles and responsibilities of agencies participating in the task force. Currently, 23 agencies have entered into the MOU with GITEM (Appendix B).
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA 38
The effectiveness of GITEM can be measured through the strategic activities performed by the organization in response to gangs and related criminal activity within the state. The following table provides statistical information on GITEM for the year 2000.
GITEM Strategic Activities
Number of Community Contacts Number of field identification cards Number of gang members arrests (adult) Number of gang members arrests (juvenile) Number of Firearms seized Number of arrests with weapons Number of narcotics arrests Amount of marijuana seized Amount of heroin seized Amount of crack cocaine seized Amount of methamphetamines seized Amount of currency seized Number of vehicles seized Estimated value of vehicles seized Amount of money seized in real property Amount of money seized in personal property 117,004 10,496 538 115 119 128 903 6,833.6 pounds 2.5 ounces 13.3 ounces 89 pounds $81,804.94 8 $58,000.00 $47,000.00 $1,800.00
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
39
Although every county does not participate in GITEM on a continual basis, the State Gang Task Force has identified criminal street gangs in each of the 15 counties in Arizona. The figure below provides a map of Arizona with the number of gangs in the county identified by GITEM for year 2000.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
40
Phoenix Police Department
Within the Phoenix Police Department, the Gang Enforcement Unit of the Organized Crime Bureau is comprised of one lieutenant, six sergeants, thirty-six detectives, one criminal analyst, and a police assistant. The goal of the Gang Enforcement Unit is to provide the Phoenix Police Department with investigative, enforcement, and intelligence support for the purpose of combating street gang activity. The support provided by the Gang Enforcement Unit satisfies a two-prong department need, which is to protect the public by suppressing criminal activity, and to accurately identify and regulate members of street gangs that participate in criminal activity. The daytime investigation squad is responsible for the case management system of the unit. Currently, the daytime investigation squad has one detective that manages the Gang Repeat Offender Program, which targets and monitors dangerous and repeat offenders. This squad conducts a significant portion of the follow-up investigation for assigned cases, and works closely with both the City Prosecutor's Office and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in the preparation and filing of criminal charges. The daytime investigation squad also coordinates with other departments and agencies for networking and intelligence sharing. Finally, the daytime squad provides general gang recognition training to community block watch groups, school faculty members, personnel from other city departments, and other members of the community. Additionally, there is a squad that is a component of the FBI Violent Street Gang Task Force. This task force is comprised of personnel from several law enforcement agencies at the municipal, state, and federal levels. The mission of the Violent Street Gang Task Force is to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal street gangs that are engaged in criminal activity. This squad is tasked with street enforcement and suppression of gang related criminal activity. The squad also gathers intelligence and conducts criminal investigations. At this time, most investigations involve gang-related threats, assaults, aggravated assaults, drive-by shootings, and criminal damage (graffiti). In addition to investigating individuals, the Gang Enforcement Unit also investigates entire gangs as criminal syndicates that participate in criminal activities to further the interests of the gang organization. This year, the Gang Enforcement Unit implemented a new gang prevention strategy referred to as the Parent Notification Program. After a gang detective contacts a juvenile for the first time, and the youth is either documented as a gang member or associate according to the Gang Member Identification Criteria, a letter is mailed to the parent or guardian of the juvenile. The letter explains the circumstances of the police contact and alerts the guardian of possible participation in gang activity. Since the inception of this program in May 2000, 73 parent notification letters have been mailed to parents or guardians of juveniles that have been contacted by police. This project provides for direct communication with individual parents by increasing awareness about at risk gang-related behaviors of their children.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
41
From January 2000 to July 2000, the Gang Enforcement Unit filed 1,174 criminal reports, completed 478 felony arrests, 458 misdemeanor arrests, 399 gang member arrests, and documented 876 gang members. The specialized unit also successfully targeted nine criminal street gangs for criminal syndicate investigations. This year, the most high profile enforcement for the Gang Enforcement Unit was the criminal syndicate investigation of the "New Mexican Mafia" (New Eme). As a result of the investigation, a total of 90 arrests were made; and resulted in 170 felony charges; the seizure of 1000 pounds of marijuana; 20 ounces of heroin; 19 vehicles; two houses; one business; and 40 weapons; several of which are believed to have been used in homicides.
Pima County Sheriff's Department
The Pima County Sheriff's Department developed a Gang Enforcement Unit in 1991. In 1999, due to attrition, the Gang Enforcement Unit was scaled back to include three deputies. These deputies now make up a portion of the Targeted Offender's Unit of the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The mission of these deputies is to gather intelligence, monitor gang activity and enforce laws in the community. This team receives and reviews all gang related data for Pima County. With the help of patrol units, this team of deputies is directed toward gang related problems within a particular district where they can concentrate efforts, conduct interviews and gather information on a daily basis. This group of officers lends significant support and assistance to investigators handling street gang related crimes and incidences. Additionally, the deputies are also responsible for a large amount of education and training. This includes inter-departmental instruction for all agencies in South East Arizona, the Corrections Academy, as well as community outreach and awareness. The Pima County Sheriff's Department uses GMIC criteria as outlined in previous chapters of this report to identify and prosecute street gang members in their community. During the interview, the deputies indicated that they do not feel that Pima County has any new or significant emergence of gang problems, but did feel that gang members are becoming more difficult to identify. This is mostly attributed to youth imitating "the gang member sense of style." The officers further indicated that in their opinion, the most effective tool in combating street gangs for their community has been the heavy focus on community and interagency training and education. The Pima County Sheriff's office uses the State Information Database System (SIDS) through GITEM in conjunction with the FORCE database system to collect and store gang data. The FORCE system is unique to Pima County and is used in the sheriff's department to input, query, and analyze police related information within the department. Employed within the Pima County Sheriff's Office are two crime analysts, a sergeant and a lieutenant, who are responsible for collecting and analyzing gang related data. The gang data is handed to the team of deputies who then disseminate the information throughout agencies within the county and state, as well as to schools and other citizens.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
42
When asked about what could make the current criminal justice system stronger in terms of dealing with gangs, the officers indicated that there should be more emphasis on education and intelligence gathering. They stated that this would positively affect the present system, as agencies would become more proactive than reactive. The officers further indicated that they support Drug Abuse Resistance Education in schools (D.A.R.E) because of the heavy influence on gang resistance. According to a crime analyst assigned to this unit, one of the universal problems faced by agencies is identifying an incident as one that is gang related. A gang member may be involved in a crime, but the incident may not necessarily be gang motivated. This kind of situation makes reporting gang activity problematic. The crime analyst also indicated that communication between law enforcement and developing a uniform, precise reporting system for the state are imperative in being able to accurately analyze the true status of street gangs in Arizona.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
43
PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS AND GANGS
The examination of gang membership among public schools represents a fundamental component to understanding the extent and prevalence of gang-related activity within Arizona. Recognizing the importance of understanding gang participation within public schools, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission administers a biennial survey to Arizona students to "measure both the attitudes and the actual prevalence and frequency of substance abuse by children and adults" as outlined in Arizona Revised Statute 41-2416. The Arizona Youth Survey includes questions related to the gang activity of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students in Arizona schools. In 1999, the Arizona Youth Survey administered by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission asked students questions designed to solicit information related to personal acquaintance with gangs, gang membership (either personally and/or someone in the family) and the extent of gang activity within the neighborhood and school of the student. The Arizona Youth Survey questions students regarding the most frequent illegal activity conducted by gang members and the extent of gang activity related to the manufacturing, selling, and/or distribution of illegal drugs. In preparation for the 2001 Substance Abuse in Arizona report, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Bureau of Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention, the Division of Behavioral Health Services, the Governor's Division of Drug Policy and the Arizona Department of Education to administer a survey that provides extensive data regarding substance abuse and gang activity among Arizona's youth population. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission also consulted with the Arizona State Gang Task Force on questions included on the survey to ensure an accurate assessment of gang activity among Arizona youth. The survey is based on the Communities that Care (CTC) model that was developed by J. David Hawkins, Ph.D; Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D.; and a team of researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle. The focus of this survey is on health risk behaviors such as violence and alcohol, tobacco and other drug use that can result in injury and/or impede positive development among our youth. The survey also includes risk and protective factors, which are attitudes and opinions that research has shown to be highly correlated with these health risk behaviors. The Arizona Youth Survey will provide critical information for the assessment of juvenile gang behavior and activities in Arizona. Through the Arizona Youth Survey, Arizona now has validated needs assessment instrument designed to assess the risk and protective factors. This will provide school administrators, juvenile justice officials and community leaders with valuable information to assist in the formulation of prevention strategies.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
44
CONCLUSION
The Arizona criminal justice system will face several challenges related to gangs in the coming years. Increasing populations, particularly in urban communities, have been found to contribute significantly to the increase in gangs and criminal activity. Therefore, a major challenge for the Arizona criminal justice system will center on developing strategies to effectively respond to the rapidly increasing population to prevent an incr ease in the number of gangs and related crime within the state. Furthermore, as a result of the geographical location of Arizona, there has been an observed trend in which gang members from California are relocating to Arizona to escape enhanced sentencing practices. Arizona also has the geographical challenges associated with the monitoring of international borders. Similar to the issue of the rapid population increase in Arizona, the criminal justice system must also continue to develop tactical practices to address the predicted incoming gang population from California as well other states and the illegal economic profits obtained through drug trafficking and alien smuggling from across the border. During the past decade, statewide criminal justice agencies have made significant advancements toward establishing objective standards for the identification and monitoring of gang members and related criminal activity within the state. In 1994, the Arizona State Legislature implemented legislation providing the statewide criteria for the identification of gang members (GMIC). At this time a majority of the criminal justice agencies (law enforcement, prosecution and probation) within the state report the collection of information and/or intelligence on gangs. They also reported using A.R.S. 13-105.8 (GMIC) to exclusively identify gang members. At present more than 90 percent of the agencies effectively use A.R.S. 13-105.8 to identify gang members. While the use of GMIC criteria by criminal justice agencies is apparent, agencies continue to express concern regarding the lack of coordination for the purpose of information sharing between agencies on a statewide basis. Criminal justice agencies throughout the state indicate challenges pertaining to coordination, information sharing, training, and resources dedicated to addressing gang problems in their community. Although participation has been on the rise, at present there are only 23 criminal justice agencies that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for inclusion in the statewide database. It is necessary for efforts to improve the coordination in sharing of gang related information continue by increased membership in a statewide database. The participation and dedication of resources for coordinating activities will contribute significantly in the fight against gang and drug activity within the state. It is critical that methods for the assessment of juvenile gang behavior and activities in the state also continue to improve. The implementation of a validated needs assessment instrument designed to assess the risk and protective factors of the youth in our communities is a positive step in this direction. Participation in the needs assessment project should be encouraged on a statewide basis to provide the best
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
45
possible assessment for prevention and intervention strategies for the youth in Arizona. It is apparent that no single strategy will solve the problem of street gangs and drug activity within Arizona but rather a concerted, coordinated effort among criminal justice agencies over time will help. Increased resources, improved assessment tools, prevention strategies and the coordination of information sharing among criminal justice agencies and other stakeholders represent potential options to successfully address criminal street gang activity within the state of Arizona. Although there are several projects within the state designed to address criminal street gang activity, increased resources should be directed toward the coordination of these efforts. Appendix C provides a listing of gang related web sites that were provided to the Statistical Analysis Center during the course of this project. Please note this report is available on line at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Web Site: www.acjc.state.az./Reports.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
46
References
Howell, J. C. (1998). Youth Gangs: An Overview (NCJ 167249). Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission (1997). Arizona Street Gang Reference Book. Phoenix: Arizona Department of Public Safety. Morehouse, B. (2000). The Role of Criminal Intelligence in Law Enforcement. In M. Peterson & B. Morehouse & R. Wright (Eds.), Intelligence 2000: revising the basic elements (pp. 1-12). Sacramento: Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit and International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (1999). Highlights of the 1997 National Youth Gang Survey. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (2001). The Growth of Youth Gang Problems in the United States: 1970-1998. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice. Sheldon, R. G., Tracy, S. K., & Brown, W. B. (1997). Youth Gangs in American Society. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
47
APPENDIX A: SURVEY RESPONDENTS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
56th Security Forces Squadron- Luke AFB Air Force Office of Special Investigations Division Apache County Sheriff's Office Arizona State University Arizona State University West ATF- Tucson Field Office Benson Police Department Bisbee Police Department Border Alliance Group (BAG) Border Patrol- Nogales Station Buckeye Police Department Bullhead City Police Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & FirearmsPhoenix Burlington Northern Santa Fe Police Casa Grande Police Department Cave Creek Marshals Office Cave Creek Marshals Office Chandler Police Department Chemehuevi Indian Tribe Chino Valley Police Department Clarkdale Police Department Clifton Police Department Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cocopah Police Department Colorado City Town Marshal's Office Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Coolidge Police Department Cottonwood Police Department Customs Service Douglas Police Department Eloy Police Department Federal Bureau of Investigations- Phoenix Division Federal Bureau of Investigations- Tucson Flagstaff Police Department Fort McDowell Tribal Police Department Fountain Hills Marshal's Office Gila County Sheriffs Office Gilbert Police Department GITEM Glendale Police Department Globe Police Department Greenlee County Sheriff Hayden Police Department Holbrook Police Department Hopi BIA Law Enforcement Immigration and Naturalization ServicePhoenix Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Kearny Police Department Kingman Police Department La Paz County Sheriff's Office Lake Havasu City Police Department Marana Police Department Mesa Police Department Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking Interdiction Mohave County Sheriff Navajo Department of Law Enforcement Naval Criminal Investigations Service Nogales Police Department Northern Arizona University Oro Valley Police Department Page Police Department Parker Police Department Pascua Yaqui Police Department Patagonia Marshals Office Payson Police Department Peoria Police Department Phoenix Police Department Pima County Sheriff Pima Police Department Pinal County Narcotics Task Force Pinal County Sheriff Department Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department Ports of Entry Prescott Police Department Prescott Valley Police Provost Marshall Quartzsite Marshal Safford Police Department Sahuarita Police Department San Carlos Police Department San Luis Police Department Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Scottsdale Police Department Security Office- Camp Navajo Sedona Police Department Sierra Vista Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
48
Snowflake-Taylor Police South Tucson Police Department Southeastern Drug and Violent Crime Task Force Southwest Border Alliance Narcotics Enforcement St. Johns Police Department Superior Police Department Surprise Police Department Tempe Police Department Thatcher Police Department Tolleson Police Department Tombstone Marshal's Office Tonto Apache Indian Tribe Truxton Canon Agency (Havasupai Reservation) Tucson Airport Authority Police Department Tucson Police Department U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Customs U.S. Marshals Office U.S. Secret Service- Phoenix
Union Pacific Railroad Police Union Pacific Railroad Police (Phoenix) United States Marshals Service University of Arizona US Army Criminal Investigations Command (Ft. Huachuca) US Border Patrol- Tucson Station US Border Patrol- Sonoita US Border Patrol- Wellton US Border Patrol- Willcox Station US Border Patrol US Customs- Nogales US Customs- Sells c/o Ajo US Customs Service- Douglas US Customs Service- Yuma US Department of Defense- Crim inal Investigation US Marshals Office- Flagstaff US Marshals Office- Prescott US Marshals Service- Tucson US Secret Service- Tucson Western Maricopa Gang/Narcotics Task Force White Mountain Apache Police Wickenburg Police Department Willcox Police Department Williams Police Department Yavapai-Apache Indian Nation Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Police Yavapai County Sheriff Youngtown Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA 49
PROSECUTION
AK-Chin Indian Community Prosecution Office Apache County Attorney Apache Junction Municipal Prosecutor Avondale Municipal Prosecutor Bisbee City Prosecutor Buckeye Municipal Prosecutor Bullhead City Municipal Prosecutor Camp Verde Municipal Prosecutor Carefree Municipal Prosecutor Casa Grande City Prosecutor Cave Creek Municipal Prosecutor Chandler City Prosecutor Chino Valley Municipal Prosecutor Clarkdale Municipal Prosecutor Clifton Municipal Prosecutor Cochise County Attorney Coconino County Attorney Colorado River Agency Coolidge City Prosecutor Cottonwood Municipal Prosecutor Douglas Municipal Prosecutor Eager City Prosecutor Eloy City Prosecutor Flagstaff Municipal Prosecutor Florence Municipal Prosecutor Fountain Hills Municipal Prosecutor Gila Bend Prosecutor Gila County Attorney Gilbert Town Prosecutor Glendale Municipal Prosecutor Goodyear City Prosecutor Graham County Attorney Greenlee County Attorney Guadalupe Municipal Prosecutor Hayden Municipal Prosecutor Holbrook City Prosecutor Hopi Agency Jerome Municipal Prosecutor Kearny Municipal Prosecutor Kingman Municipal Prosecutor La Paz County Attorney Lake Havasu City Municipal Prosecutor Litchfield Park Municipal Prosecutor Mammoth Municipal Prosecutor Marana Municipal Prosecutor Maricopa County Attorney Office Mesa City Prosecutor Miami City Prosecutor Mohave county Attorney Office Navajo County Attorney Office Nogales Municipal Prosecutor Oro Valley Municipal Prosecutor Page Municipal Prosecutor Paradise Valley Municipal Prosecutor Parker Municipal Prosecutor Pascua Yaqui Tribe Prosecutors Office Payson Municipal Prosecutor Peoria Municipal Prosecutor Phoenix City Prosecutor's Office Pima City Prosecutor Pima County Attorney Pinal County Attorney Office Pinetop-Lakeside Prescott Municipal Prosecutor Prescott Valley Prosecutor Quartzsite City Prosecutor Safford Municipal Prosecutor Sahuarita Municipal Prosecutor San Luis Municipal Prosecutor Santa Cruz County Attorney Scottsdale Municipal Prosecutor Sedona Municipal Prosecutor Show Low City Prosecutor Snowflake Municipal Prosecutor Somerton Municipal Prosecutor Springerville Municipal Prosecutor Surprise Municipal Prosecutor Taylor City Prosecutor Thatcher City Prosecutor Tombstone Municipal Prosecutor Tucson Municipal Prosecutor Wickenburg Municipal Prosecutor Willcox City Attorney Williams Municipal Prosecutor Winkelman Municipal Prosecutor Winslow City Prosecutor Yavapai County Attorney Office Youngtown Municipal Prosecutor Yuma County Attorney
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
50
PROBATION
Apace County Adult Probation Apache County Juvenile Court Services Cochise County Adult Probation Cochise County Juvenile Court Services Coconino Adult Probation Coconino Juvenile Probation Gila Probation Graham Probation Department Greenlee Probation La Paz Probation Maricopa Adult Probation Maricopa Juvenile Probation Department Mohave Probation Department Navajo Probation Pima Adult Probation Pima Juvenile Court Pinal Adult Probation Pinal Juvenile Court Services Santa Cruz Probation Yavapai Adult Probation Yavapai Juvenile Court Services Yuma Adult Probation Yuma Juvenile Court Services
CORRECTIONS
Arizona Department of Corrections Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
51
APPENDIX B: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPANTS
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Cottonwood Police Department Glendale Police Department Immigration and Naturalization Service Marana Police Department Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Mohave County Sheriff's Office Phoenix Police Department Somerton Police Department Tempe Police Department Yuma County Sheriff's Office Arizona Department of Corrections Chandler Police Department Fountain Hills Marshall's Office Goodyear Police Department Kingman Police Department Kingman Police Department Maricopa County Attorney's Office Mesa Police Department Oro Valley Police Department Scottsdale Police Department Surprise Police Department Yuma Police Department
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
52
APPENDIX C: GANG RELATED WEB SITES
*please send additions/modifications to dkaloostian@acjc.state.az.us
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission http://www.acjc.state.az.us An Urban Ethnography of Latino Street Gangs http://www.altenforst.de/faecher/englisch/immi/table.htm Hardcore: A Series of Articles by the Phoenix New Times http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/extra/hardcore/index.html Wannabe: A Documentary from Wisconsin Public Television http://www.itvs.org/wannabe/index.html Florida Department of Corrections Gang and Security Threat Group Awareness http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html International Association of Asian Crime Investigators http://www.iaaci.com/ Wood County Gang Task Force (Gang awareness, prevention and intervention) http://www.wcnet.org/~wcgtf/index.html American Gang Information Center http://members.tripod.com/~Carl815/ganginfo.html www.streetgangs.com (A comprehensive history of Blood/Crip Gangs in LA) http://www.streetgangs.com/ GangInformation.com (Prison Gang Information and more) http://ganginformation.com/ Mark's Parole and Crime Page (A variety of gang-related information and links) http://www.tbcnet.com/~salsberry/ Hate on Display: A visual database of extremist symbols, logos and tattoos (AntiDefamation League) http://www.adl.org/hate_symbols/default.htm The Larry Hoover Story (Illinois Criminal Justice Authority) http://www.ipsn.org/hoover3.html Gangs Show Off Their Colors Online (article in SF Gate) http://www.sfgate.com
GANGS
GRAFFITI
Art Crimes: The Writing On The Wall http://www.graffiti.org/
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
53
Operation CleanSWEEP http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/sheriff/OID/Operation_CleanSweep.htm Graffiti-Related Links on the World Wide Web http://www.dougweb.com/grlinks.html Chicago Hoodz: In-Depth Look at Chicago Gang Graffiti http://www.dougweb.com/grlinks.html
GANG PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) http://www.atf.treas.gov/great/index.htm Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs) http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ National Youth Gang Center http://www.iir.com/nygc/ Boys and Girls Clubs of America http://www.bgca.org/ U.S. Department of Education, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/ Gangstyle.com http://www.gangstyle.com/ National Crime Prevention Council (10 Tools to Involve Parents in Gang Prevention) http://www.ncpc.org/10ad1.htm The Gang Crime Prevention Center http://www.gcpc.state.il.us/ Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/ ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education http://eric-web.tc.columbia.edu/ National Parent Information Network (NPIN) http://www.npin.org/ Parenting Resources for the 21st Century http://www.parentingresources.ncjrs.org/ National School Safety Center http://www.nssc1.org/ National Youth Employment Coalition http://www.nyec.org/ ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
54
Connect for Kids http://www.connectforkids.org/content1555/content_list.htm?attrib_id=335 Educators for Social Responsibility http://www.esrnational.org/ Project No Gangs (Orange County, California) http://www.duila.org/project.htm Stop the Violence...Face the Music Society http://www.stv.net/ United States Institute of Peace Conflict Resolution articles and links http://www.usip.org/ Street Gangs: The View From The Street (From the Do It Now Foundation) http://www.doitnow.org/pages/178.html National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Division of Violence Prevention (Center for Disease Control) http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/dvp.htm Peer Resources Consulting Services http://www.islandnet.com/~rcarr/peer.html The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign http://www1.theantidrug.com/ Mothers Against Gangs (MAG) http://www.winternet.com/~jannmart/nkcmag.html A Parent's Guide to Preventing Gangs (Memphis, TN Police Department) http://www.lunaweb.com/pargang.htm New Approaches Needed to Discourage Gangs (King County, Washington) http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/commentary/123097com.htm Teen Gangs (Connecticut Clearinghouse Fact Sheet) http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/fteengng.htm GRIPE for Kids
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT GANGS
Urban Legends Reference Page http://www.snopes2.com/
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/grants/grants.html
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
55
U.S. Department of Justice Community Support and Grants http://www.usdoj.gov/index.html U.S. Department of Education Funding Opportunities http://www.ed.gov/funding.html U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: GrantsNet http://www.hhs.gov/refers/progorg.html U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development http://www.hud.gov/commut.html Notices of Federal Funding Available http://ocd.usda.gov/nofa.htm
LAW ENFORCEMENT
www.lawenforcementjob.com http://www.lawenforcementjob.com/ www.policeone.com American Police Beat Magazine Online APBNews.com http://www.apbnews.com/ New York Department of Corrections http://www.docs.state.ny.us/ Corrections Online http://www.corrections.com/
ARIZONA PRISON AND STREET GANGS IN ARIZONA
56